Nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Nursing students are crucial for quality elder care and public health advocacy.
• Negative stereotypes about aging can negatively impact nursing students' attitudes.
• Nursing education needs updated curricula to address the complexities of an aging society.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward older adults.
• To identify factors influencing nursing students' attitudes and knowledge about aging.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study utilizing an online survey.
• 182 nursing students completed the survey.
• Data analyzed using multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• Positive attitudes and knowledge about aging increased with progression in the nursing course.
• Regular contact with grandparents was the most significant factor for positive attitudes and knowledge.
• Student age did not significantly impact attitudes or knowledge regarding older adults.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing knowledge about aging and fostering socialization with older adults are key to improving nursing students' attitudes.
• Curricula in nursing education should be reinforced with these elements.
• Despite daily contact with grandparents, few students aspire to work with older adults.