Abstract
Population aging is increasing demand for competent geriatric care. This is the first multicenter study in Palestine to assess physician geriatric knowledge using a validated instrument (Revised Facts on Aging Quiz), providing baseline data for curriculum reform in a country with no accredited geriatrics fellowship program. 378 physicians of the Palestinian Ministry of Health completed a self-administered questionnaire covering demographics, professional level, geriatrics education, and knowledge using the validated Revised Facts on Aging Quiz. Among 378 physicians (mean age 30.17±8.07 years; 65.34% male), the mean knowledge score was 20.35±4.14 (A score of 56.5% correct, while indicating foundational knowledge, leaves a 43.5% gap in understanding, a deficit that may translate into suboptimal care for older adults, including missed geriatric syndromes and inappropriate prescribing). Knowledge was not significantly associated with age, or gender. Physicians trained in Palestine scored higher than those trained abroad (20.82±4.28 vs. 19.84±3.94; p=0.022). Scores differed by professional level (ANOVA p=0.025), with interns highest (20.90±3.93) and general practitioners lowest (18.80±4.20). Common misconceptions involved older adults’ adaptability, work capacity, and depression prevalence. Overall geriatric knowledge was moderate, but prevalent misconceptions highlight significant educational deficiencies. Knowledge differed by professional level and country of medical education, suggesting both career stage and educational environment affect geriatrics competency. We recommend that Palestinian medical schools integrate a minimum of 20 contact hours of geriatrics content into existing internal medicine and family medicine rotations, including clinical exposure to well-elderly care, geriatric syndromes, and polypharmacy management.
Introduction
The global aging population is growing rapidly. The proportion of individuals aged 60 and above is projected to nearly double, from 12% in 2015 to 22% by 2050 (World Health Organization. (n.d.).; Partridge et al., 2018). In Palestine, those aged over 65 represented 3% of the population in 2022 and are expected to increase steadily (Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 2021).
This demographic shift carries significant public health implications. The elderly are more dependent on healthcare services and commonly suffer from multiple comorbidities; at least 50% of seniors worldwide have three or more chronic diseases (Guiding Principles for the Care of Older Adults With Multimorbidity: An Approach for Clinicians, 2012; Rowe, 2015). Age-related changes such as hearing and memory impairment create communication barriers that affect treatment adherence and care quality (Elsawy & Higgins, 2011). Geriatric syndromes—including delirium, falls, frailty, dizziness, syncope, and urinary incontinence—affect over 50% of those aged 65 and older, yet frequently go undetected and under-treated (Al-Aama, 2016). Polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use represent additional challenges (Karis Allen et al., 2021). Older-adult care also requires recognition of functional decline, mobility limitation, and rehabilitation needs, particularly in patients with neurological or gait impairment, because mobility and functional status are core domains of geriatric assessment and strongly influence independence and quality of life (Elsawy & Higgins, 2011). Structured rehabilitation approaches may therefore provide relevant clinical context; for example, the SPIDER tool has been described as a preliminary method to support balance, mobility, and postural control in patients with neurological disability, including an older adult with stroke (Glowinski & Blazejewski, 2020).
These issues prompted the emergence of geriatric medicine as a subspecialty of internal medicine focused on the health and well-being of older adults (Chhetri et al., 2021; American College of Physicians. (2016, June 29)) which has proven effective in resource allocation and care outcomes (Soulis et al., 2021).
In the Middle East, research on geriatric medicine remains limited. The UAE provides care to individuals aged 60 and above through specialized facility- and home-based programs (Senior Emiratis). Jordan, geographically and culturally close to Palestine, had 3.7% of its population aged over 65 by the end of 2022, similar to Palestine, yet has established elderly care facilities, though without a clearly defined administrative system (Al-Amer et al., 2019; Jordan In Figure 2022, Department of Statistics). The WHO has recognized the need to enhance Jordan’s geriatric healthcare capacity (World Health Organization. (n.d.).).
Empirical studies assessing geriatric knowledge among healthcare professionals consistently report moderate to poor knowledge levels and persistent misconceptions, despite increasing exposure to older patients. Among physicians, a Saudi Arabian study of internal medicine trainees found substantial gaps in knowledge related to geriatric syndromes, delirium, and pharmacotherapy (Al-Aama, 2016). Similarly, validation studies of the Revised Facts on Aging Quiz (RFAQ) in European nursing students demonstrated acceptable internal consistency but highlighted widespread misconceptions about aging (Internal Consistency and Construct Validity Assessment of a Revised Facts on Aging Quizfor Flemish Nursing Students: An Exploratory Study|BMC Geriatrics|Springer Nature Link, nd). In a mixed-provider sample from Vietnam, overall geriatric knowledge remained modest despite formal training exposure (Adetunji et al., 2023).
In Palestine, specialized geriatric care and facilities are severely limited. Existing elderly care homes lack trained medical professionals and offer primarily shelter and social services (Institutions concerned with the affairs of the elderly). No accredited geriatric fellowship program exists nationally (Palestine Medical Council, Training and Education), and medical schools offer no structured geriatrics curriculum. The WHO Global Survey on Geriatrics in the Medical Curriculum (2002) found Palestine had the lowest GERIND score (4.0/100) (Keller et al., 2002). A local study found that 75% of elderly Palestinians reported at least one chronic health issue and limited healthcare access (El Jabari et al., 2024). Poor geriatric knowledge among physicians may inadvertently contribute to low rates of health-promoting behaviors among older adults with chronic diseases, as physicians may not recognize opportunities for preventive counseling (Al-Aqtam et al., 2022). Improving geriatric care in Palestine requires first assessing physicians’ knowledge, as greater awareness is associated with better attitudes toward and care of older adults (Karis Allen et al., 2021)).
This study aimed to: (1) quantify basic geriatric knowledge among Palestinian physicians using a validated instrument; (2) identify specific knowledge gaps and common misconceptions about aging; and (3) examine associations between knowledge scores and professional level, country of medical education, and prior geriatrics training.
Materials and Methods
Study Design and Population
This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study. It included physicians aged above 20 years serving as intern doctors, general practitioners, residents, or specialists in ministry of health (MoH) facilities. Physicians on extended leave (maternity, sick, or sabbatical) during the data collection period were excluded.
Data Collection and Assessment Tool
Sample size was calculated using a 5% margin of error and 95% confidence interval. Given an estimated 1,800 physicians at MoH hospitals in the West Bank, the required sample size was approximately 320. Hospitals were selected from northern, central, and southern areas of the West Bank for geographic coverage. Convenience sampling was employed due to logistical constraints across five governorates (Hebron, Jericho, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Ramallah) between September 2023 and February 2024. While this approach may introduce selection bias (e.g., physicians interested in geriatrics may have been more likely to participate), the large sample size (378 participants, representing 21% of the estimated target population of 1,800 MoH physicians) mitigates some concerns about representativeness.
A pilot study involving 16 participants was conducted online to evaluate questionnaire clarity and estimate completion time. No significant modifications were required following feedback. For the data collection phase, participants were approached in person during clinical duty hours by trained data collectors. No formal non-response analysis was conducted, and response rates could not be calculated due to the convenience sampling approach. All participants were informed of study objectives, and a written informed consent section was included in the questionnaire. No identifying information was collected.
The questionnaire had three sections: (1) demographic data (age, sex, relationship with grandparents); (2) professional level and geriatrics education background; and (3) the Revised Facts on Aging Quiz (RFAQ), a validated 36-item instrument assessing knowledge about older persons and gerontological care among healthcare workers (Adetunji et al., 2023). The original RFAQ item regarding poverty was adapted to reflect the Palestinian context; where 500 NIS (approximately $135 USD) was used as the poverty threshold for a single-person household according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. The modified item was not independently validated and is addressed as a limitation.
Data Analysis
Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25. Descriptive statistics are presented as mean (SD) for continuous variables and n (%) for categorical variables. Knowledge scores were calculated as the sum of correct responses (range 0–36). There were no missing responses to the RFAQ items and hence data analysis was done for these items without imputation. Internal consistency for the RFAQ in the present sample was poor (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.576). For descriptive purposes only, knowledge scores were categorized as low (≤50% correct, ≤18/36), moderate (51-70% correct, 19-25/36), and high (≥71% correct, ≥26/36). These categories were not used for inferential statistical testing. Bivariate associations were examined using independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test was applied following significant ANOVA results. Two-sided p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Given the sample size (n=378), the Central Limit Theorem justifies the assumption of normality for parametric tests. Levene’s test confirmed homogeneity of variances for all bivariate comparisons (p > 0.05 for all), except where noted. In addition to bivariate analyses, a multivariable linear regression with the total geriatric knowledge score (0–36) as the dependent variable was used.
Results
Participant Characteristics and Education Exposure
Participant Characteristics and Exposure to Geriatrics Education (N = 378)
N = 378 unless specified (N of residents = 77, N of specialists = 84).
The majority of responders were at the beginning of their careers: 50.26% were interns, 20.89% were residents, 22.22% were specialists, and 6.61% were general practitioners. Formal exposure to geriatrics in undergraduate medical education was limited and inconsistent. More than half of the participants (53.97%) indicated the absence of both a geriatrics-focused credit subject and clinical training; smaller percentages reported only a credit subject (16.40%), only clinical training (10.58%), or both (12.43%), while 6.08% were uncertain. In accordance with these trends, less than half indicated receiving training in geriatric care across various clinical settings (39.95%), and one-quarter claimed that their faculty provided a geriatrics elective course (25.66%). 39.68% reported that their curriculum includes training on the management of geriatric disorders.
Overall Geriatric Knowledge and Bivariate Associations With Knowledge Score
The mean knowledge score was 20.35 (SD 4.14; range 5–31), equivalent to 56.5% correct on a 36-item quiz. Scores ranged from 5 to 31 (possible range 0-36). The distribution was approximately normal (skewness = -0.21, kurtosis = -0.15). Only 17 participants (4.5%) achieved a score above 75% correct (≥27/36), and 52 participants (13.8%) scored below 50% correct (≤18/36).
Bivariate Associations With Knowledge Score (Knowledge Score; Range 0–36)
Knowledge scores differed by reported exposure to geriatrics-focused education during medical school (P=0.027). Mean scores were highest among those reporting neither a credit subject nor clinical training (20.97±4.22) and lowest among those reporting “don’t know” (18.74±4.41). Reporting training in geriatric care in diverse clinical settings was associated with a lower mean score (19.79±4.01 vs 20.79±4.15; P=0.019). No significant differences were observed in curriculum coverage of geriatric syndromes (P=0.306) or in the availability of a geriatrics elective course (P=0.352). Within residents and specialists, knowledge scores did not differ significantly by specialty (residents: P=0.854; specialists: P=0.203; Table 2).
Post-Hoc Comparisons
Tukey HSD Pairwise Comparisons for Factors With Significant Omnibus ANOVA
In multivariable linear regression, none of the previously significant bivariate associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for demographic, professional, and educational variables, including country of study (β = 0.41, p = 0.510), professional level (overall p = 0.233), and training on geriatric care in diverse clinical settings (β = −0.70, p = 0.197). Age, gender, curriculum coverage of geriatric syndromes, and availability of a geriatrics elective course were not independently associated with knowledge score. The model explained a limited proportion of the variance (R2 = 0.058; adjusted R2 = 0.024).
Item-Level Response Patterns
Item-level performance suggested persistent misconceptions in several domains. The highest incorrect response rates were observed for statements related to older adults’ adaptability (77.2% incorrect) and work capacity (76.7% incorrect), and for the relative prevalence of major depression in later life (74.1% incorrect). High incorrect response rates were also observed for items related to poverty among older adults (71.2% incorrect) and the belief that cognitive impairment is inevitable with aging (61.4% incorrect). The correct answer to “The majority of old people are unable to adapt to change” is False. The correct answer to “Older workers usually cannot work as effectively as younger workers” is False. The correct answer to “Major depression is more prevalent among the elderly than among younger persons” is False (depression is less common in community-dwelling older adults than in younger adults). Supplementary table S1 displays the revised and extended version of the Facts on Aging Quiz utilized here for assessing geriatric knowledge, along with participants’ responses.
Discussion
This study provides the first multicenter assessment of geriatric knowledge among physicians in Palestine. Three principal findings emerged: (1) overall knowledge is moderate (56.5% correct), with significant gaps in understanding older adults’ adaptability, work capacity, and mental health; (2) knowledge differs by professional level (interns highest, general practitioners lowest) and country of medical education (Palestine-trained physicians scored higher than those trained abroad); and (3) formal geriatrics training was not associated with higher knowledge scores, suggesting that current educational offerings may be inadequate or that self-directed learning fills gaps.
The results of this study revealed that Palestinian physicians practicing in MoH hospitals possess an overall moderate level of basic geriatric knowledge (mean score of 20.35 (SD 4.14), equivalent to 56.5%). This indicates moderate but incomplete geriatric knowledge, rather than a high level of preparedness. This finding aligns with physician-focused and mixed-provider studies from Saudi Arabia and Vietnam, which similarly reported modest knowledge despite clinical exposure (Adetunji et al., 2023; Al-Aama, 2016).
Among the study participants, the highest mean knowledge score was obtained by interns (20.90), higher than the scores of specialists (19.64) and general practitioners (18.80), but comparable to that of residents (20.32). We interpret these findings as follows: Interns, who are typically recent graduates, may possess more updated knowledge due to their recent education and exposure to newer research and practices. They might also still be in the learning phase, actively applying their knowledge. In contrast, general practitioners, who have been practicing for a longer time, may not have received recent formal education on geriatric issues. Additionally, residents and specialists undergo specialized training in specific fields, which may or may not include geriatrics. This targeted training could contribute to their higher mean knowledge scores compared to general practitioners, who often have a more generalized medical education. It merits mention that whether considering residents or specialists, the physician’s specialty did not significantly affect the mean knowledge score. This finding implies that Palestinian residents (or specialists) have comparable basic knowledge in geriatric medicine regardless of specialty.
Our findings differ from those of a study from Saudi Arabia, which found that trainees with varying degrees of internal medicine training, comprising just 83 individuals, had a general lack of understanding regarding illnesses that frequently affect the elderly. Our study was more extensive, with a sample of 378 physicians operating at various levels and specializations. We also utilized an internationally verified questionnaire (the Revised Facts on Aging Quiz) rather than one created in-house. The primary finding of our research established that Palestinian physicians had a moderate level of foundational knowledge in geriatric medicine. One of the present study’s objectives was to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics and the degree of knowledge in geriatric medicine. No demographic characteristic examined (gender or age) was found to have a significant impact on knowledge scores. However, the analysis did reveal a weak negative correlation between physician age and knowledge score. Although statistically insignificant, this suggests a slight decrease in knowledge score with increasing age. A possible explanation can be that older physicians may have been trained when geriatrics was not a prominent field of study in medical school, although this aspect was not a field we could track in the study.
Notably, this study also offers a remarkable new perspective on the connection between the country of education and knowledge levels. That is, knowledge levels were significantly (P=0.022) influenced by the country of education, with physicians who studied in Palestine demonstrating a slightly better mean knowledge score (20.82) than those who had studied abroad (19.84). The higher scores among physicians who studied in Palestine might reflect differences in curriculum or teaching style, but more research would be needed to understand why.
Several explanations are plausible. First, medical curricula in Palestine may inadvertently include geriatrics-relevant content within internal medicine or family medicine rotations, even without a dedicated geriatrics course. Second, physicians trained abroad may have completed their education in countries where geriatrics is also underemphasized (e.g., Egypt, Russia, Ukraine). Third, this finding may reflect selection bias: physicians who choose to study abroad may differ systematically from those who study locally in ways unrelated to curriculum quality. Without a detailed curricular mapping across countries, causal conclusions cannot be drawn.
Contrary to expectations, physicians who received formal geriatrics training did not score higher than those without it (20.09 vs. 20.54; p=0.306), and no significant difference was observed between those with or without access to a geriatrics elective (p=0.352). This contrasts with a Vietnamese study in which geriatrics training was associated with significantly higher knowledge scores among healthcare providers (Adetunji et al., 2023). The discrepancy may reflect differences in sample composition and training quality. Our finding that physicians without formal geriatrics training scored comparably to - or above -those with training raises the possibility that self-directed learning through clinical exposure, online resources, or peer discussion may compensate for gaps in formal education. Additionally, those without a geriatrics course may have encountered more geriatric cases in general clinical rotations, while those who completed formal training may have done so years prior, with subsequent knowledge decay. Furthermore, the content and quality of courses labeled as “geriatrics” varies considerably across institutions, both locally and abroad, limiting meaningful comparisons. Future research should assess the structure, depth, and effectiveness of geriatrics education rather than simply its presence.
This counterintuitive finding suggests either that current geriatrics training offerings are of insufficient quality or duration, or that motivated physicians acquire geriatrics knowledge through self-directed learning (e.g., online resources, clinical exposure) regardless of formal coursework. A similar pattern was observed among intensive care unit nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the relationship between formal or contextual workplace factors and resilience outcomes was complex rather than straightforward (Glowinski & Blazejewski, 2020). This raises important questions about the effectiveness of didactic-only geriatrics education and supports calls for experiential, longitudinal training models. Despite the associations observed by the bivariate analysis, after adjustment for potential confounders, country of study, professional level, and training in diverse clinical settings were no longer statistically significant. This suggests that these unadjusted findings were at least partly influenced by confounding and should be interpreted cautiously. The low explained variance in the multivariable model further indicates that geriatric knowledge is likely influenced by additional factors not captured in the present study.
Through the analysis of participant responses to geriatric knowledge questions, our study exposed several common misconceptions regarding older individuals. For example, there is a gap in physicians’ understanding of older people’s sexual conduct, as seen by the considerable majority (62.4%) who wrongly felt that most older people have little desire for or aptitude for sexual encounters. In a similar vein, a sizable portion (76.7%) mistakenly thought that older workers typically cannot perform as well as younger workers. A similarly large majority (77.2%) expressed that most elderly individuals are incapable of adjusting to change. Likewise, nearly three-quarters of doctors (74.1%) thought major depression was more common in older people than in younger people. These findings indicate the need for ongoing education monitoring and awareness initiatives among physicians to rectify misunderstandings, advance understanding of aging, and thereby cultivate a more knowledgeable and encouraging medical community for senior citizens.
Various methods could be employed to make geriatric medicine more marketable and help resolve the present information void; for instance, hospital educational campaigns focusing on medical doctors would serve as a means of spreading and improving overall knowledge of geriatric care. Moreover, it might be beneficial to incorporate geriatric medicine into internal medicine coursework. A cooperative relationship between medical schools and nursing homes could be encouraged by establishing a specific rotation with designated days for visits to the latter facilities. Additionally, online courses might present a convenient exogenous source for medical students (Sehgal et al., 2019). Finally, a specialized elective course is advised to allow interested medical students to learn more about this field of medicine. By developing and offering these programs, Palestinian doctors’ competence in geriatric medicine can be greatly increased, and the quality of treatment provided to the elderly population can be improved.
For Medical Education
Minimum Curriculum Standards
Palestinian medical schools should integrate a minimum of 20 contact hours of geriatrics content, covering: (a) normal aging vs. disease; (b) geriatric syndromes (falls, delirium, incontinence, frailty); (c) polypharmacy and deprescribing; (d) cognitive assessment; and (e) communication with older adults and families.
Clinical Exposure
A required clinical rotation in geriatrics (e.g., 2 weeks in a nursing home, rehabilitation facility, or home care program) should be established, potentially through partnerships with the Ministry of Health and existing elderly care homes.
Faculty Development
Train internal medicine and family medicine faculty in geriatrics pedagogy, using resources such as the Aquifer Geriatrics online curriculum (Sehgal et al., 2019).
For Continuing Medical Education (CME)
CME Requirements
The Palestinian Ministry of Health and Medical Council should mandate a minimum of 5 CME credits in geriatrics annually for all physicians providing primary or chronic care to adults aged 65+.
Online Modules
Develop freely accessible online modules addressing the specific misconceptions identified in this study (e.g., ‘Myths of Aging: Adaptability, Work Capacity, and Depression’).
For Policy and Health System Reform
Geriatric Referral Pathways
Establish clear referral pathways from primary care to the few existing geriatric specialists (where available), and develop telehealth geriatric consultation services for rural and underserved areas.
Workforce Planning
The Palestinian Ministry of Health should develop a national strategy for geriatric workforce development, including consideration of an accredited geriatric medicine fellowship program—currently nonexistent in Palestine.
For Future Research
Longitudinal Studies
Track the same cohort of physicians over time to assess knowledge retention and the impact of educational interventions.
Attitudes and Behaviors
Assess physician attitudes toward older adults (e.g., using the UCLA Geriatrics Attitudes Scale) and actual clinical practices (e.g., medication prescribing patterns, falls screening rates).
Comparative Studies
Compare geriatric knowledge across the three Palestinian regions (West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem) to identify disparities and target interventions.
Intervention Studies
Test the effectiveness of specific educational interventions (e.g., online modules, clinical rotations, simulation training) in a randomized controlled design.
In broad terms, only limited research has been conducted addressing the understanding and awareness of geriatric issues among physicians, including intern doctors, residents, and specialists. Existing studies have focused significantly less on physicians as opposed to pharmacists and nurses. In addition, the level of knowledge demonstrated tends to differ from one study to the next. For example, overall knowledge scores were unsatisfactory among nurses and nursing students in both California and the Netherlands (Dikken et al., 2018; Roethler et al., 2011), but satisfactory knowledge levels have been reported among clinical hospital pharmacists across the province of Alberta, Canada, which was linked with the attitude of pharmacists toward geriatric patients (Karis Allen et al., 2021).
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
This study has several strengths: (1) it is the first multicenter assessment of physician geriatric knowledge in Palestine; (2) the sample size (n=378) is large relative to the target population; (3) the use of a validated, internationally recognized instrument (RFAQ) allows comparison with other populations; (4) geographic coverage included northern, central, and southern West Bank governorates, enhancing representativeness; and (5) the inclusion of multiple professional levels (interns, residents, specialists, GPs) permits within-profession comparisons.
Limitations
First, convenience sampling may have introduced selection bias; physicians with an interest in geriatrics may have been more likely to participate, potentially inflating knowledge scores. Second, the study excluded physicians in private and NGO sectors, limiting generalizability to the entire Palestinian physician workforce. Third, the cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences about the relationship between training and knowledge. Fourth, the RFAQ, while validated, assesses basic facts about aging rather than clinical decision-making or practical skills. Fifth, self-reported training data (e.g., ‘I received geriatrics training’) may be subject to recall bias and varying definitions of ‘training’ across institutions. Sixth, the ‘abroad’ category is heterogeneous, combining vastly different educational systems. Seventh, data were collected between September 2023 and February 2024, a period of significant political instability in Palestine (the October 7, 2023, events and subsequent war), which may have affected physician participation and practice priorities. Finally, the study did not assess physician attitudes toward older adults or actual clinical performance, only knowledge.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that Palestinian physicians possess moderate basic geriatric knowledge, with interns outperforming general practitioners and Palestine-trained physicians outperforming those trained abroad. However, prevalent misconceptions about older adults’ adaptability, work capacity, and mental health, held by over 70% of participants, reveal critical educational gaps that cannot be remedied by clinical experience alone.
Despite the absence of structured geriatrics curricula in Palestinian medical schools, interns achieve knowledge scores comparable to or exceeding those of more experienced physicians, suggesting that recent medical education, even without dedicated geriatrics courses, may inadvertently convey some aging-relevant content. This represents both an opportunity (build on existing content) and a warning (without intentional geriatrics training, knowledge may decay as physicians enter general practice).
As Palestine’s older population grows, the country faces a choice: invest now in geriatrics education and workforce development, or face a future where older adults receive substandard care from physicians ill-equipped to address their needs.
We call upon the Palestinian Ministry of Health, medical schools, and international partners to prioritize geriatrics education as an essential component of health system strengthening, not as a specialty for the few, but as a core competency for every physician who cares for aging patients.
Supplemental Material
Supplemental Material - Basic Geriatric Knowledge and Awareness Among Palestinian Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Supplemental Material for Basic Geriatric Knowledge and Awareness Among Palestinian Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study by Jalal Al Khateeb, Nicolas Elshatleh, Seham Madaka, Rita Yacoub, Raghad Sweity, Oadi N. Shrateh and Hussein Hallak in Sage Open Aging.
Supplemental Material
Supplemental Material - Basic Geriatric Knowledge and Awareness Among Palestinian Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Supplemental Material for Basic Geriatric Knowledge and Awareness Among Palestinian Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study by Jalal Al Khateeb, Nicolas Elshatleh, Seham Madaka, Rita Yacoub, Raghad Sweity, Oadi N. Shrateh and Hussein Hallak in Sage Open Aging.
Supplemental Material
Supplemental Material - Basic Geriatric Knowledge and Awareness Among Palestinian Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Supplemental Material for Basic Geriatric Knowledge and Awareness Among Palestinian Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Study by Jalal Al Khateeb, Nicolas Elshatleh, Seham Madaka, Rita Yacoub, Raghad Sweity, Oadi N. Shrateh and Hussein Hallak in Sage Open Aging.
Footnotes
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge each of: Dr. Roaa Safi, Sana Malloh, Murad Alshamisti, Tala Abbadi, Hind Hantash, Jafar Sayara, Malak Hroub, and Ramez Alsharif for their invaluable contributions in the data collection process.
Ethical Considerations
The Al-Quds University Research Ethics Review Committee at Al-Quds University approved our survey (Ref No: 330/REC/2023) on Oct 14, 2023 and approval for data collection was obtained from the MoH (Ref No: 162/74/2024). This study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. All physicians involved in our study were invited on a voluntary basis after being provided the aims and objectives both orally and in writing. Data confidentiality was guaranteed for all participants as the questionnaire did not include any potentially identifying information.
Consent to Participate
Informed consent was implied upon completion of the questionnaire. Participants were given the opportunity to discuss any thoughts or questions with the data collector or the designated contact person.
Author Contributions
All authors made substantial and equal contributions to the design and execution of the study. JA, NE, SM, RY, RS, and OS built the study questionnaire and collected the data from the participants. JA, NE, SM, and RY wrote the first draft of the manuscript. HH and RS supervised the research, reviewed the first draft and contributed to the final version of the manuscript. All authors revised and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Funding
The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was funded by Al-Quds University for data collection and analysis.
Declaration of Conflicting Interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Data Availability Statement
Data used in this study can be found in supplementary file 1. The questionnaire can be found in supplementary file 2, and Supplementary table 1 can be found in Supplementary file 3.
Supplemental Material
Supplemental material for this article is available online.
References
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