We built it and they did not come: knowledge and attitudes of baccalaureate nursing students toward the elderly

A pilot program in gerontological nursing was developed for senior baccalaureate nursing students but could not be implemented due to lack of student interest. As a consequence, the authors conducted a descriptive survey research study to determine the knowledge base and attitudes of junior and senior baccalaureate nursing students toward older adults. A sample of 55 students was surveyed using two instruments: Palmore's revised Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ 1) and Kogan's Attitudes Toward Old People Scale (KOP). While neither the junior or senior student group scored high on the FAQ 1, an analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the groups in overall knowledge about the elderly. The mean KOP score of neither group indicated a high positive attitude toward the elderly and there was no significant difference between the groups in this area. The relationships between participants' demographic characteristics and KOP results also were explored. Findings support research indicating that nursing students often lack knowledge of the elderly and need opportunities to develop positive attitudes toward them. Implications are identified that relate to curriculum development, students, and faculty.