Attitudes of oncology nurses regarding ageism

Ageism is reported to have negative impacts on older cancer patients' health and wellbeing. Nurses' attitudes to ageism influence the quality of care of older cancer patients and the prognosis of the disease. The aim of this descriptive and quantitative study was to determine oncology nurses' attitudes regarding ageism.

Data were collected online by using a sociodemographic and clinical features form developed in light of the literature and the Ageism Attitude Scale. The data collection tools were filled in by 237 oncology nurses between June and September in 2020. Obtained data were analyzed with mean, standard deviation, numbers, percentages, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation analysis.

The mean score of the oncology nurses on the Ageism Attitude Scale was 87.76 ± 9.22 (ranging from 63 to 111), and their attitudes to old age were positive. The mean scores of the nurses on the subscales were as follows: 37.45 ± 4.69 for restricting life of the elder, 30.05 ± 5.27 for positive discrimination, and 20.30 ± 4.58 for negative discrimination. Also, 75.94% of the nurses experienced difficulty in offering care to older patients. The mean score of the nurses on the Ageism Attitude Scale significantly differed in terms of age, duration of work experience, staying with older people, and financial status (p < 0.05).

The study revealed that the oncology nurses generally had positive attitudes to older people. Incorporation of geriatrics related topics into both undergraduate education and in-service training could help to maintain positive attitudes to older people and prevent unfavorable attitudes to them. It can also be recommended that attitudes of health professionals to ageism should be evaluated by older people in further studies.