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Older Adult Care Career Intention and Associated Factors Among Higher Vocational College Students: A Cross-Sectional
Baohua Liu1, Yuchen Ying1, Nan Sun1
1Ningbo College of Health Sciences, School of Health Services and Wellness, Zhejiang, China.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to describe the career intention and identify its associated factors among higher vocational college students majoring in older adult care-related fields in China.
Design:
A cross-sectional study.
Methods:
The survey was conducted between May and July 2025 using a self-report questionnaire, with a total of 352 valid samples ultimately included. The outcome variable was assessed with a dichotomous (willing/unwilling) item regarding willingness to pursue a career in older adult care after graduation. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical logistic regression were performed to examine the associations between career intention and potential associated factors.
Results:
Approximately half of the participants indicated a willingness to pursue a career in older adult care work. The final optimal model (Model 3) of hierarchical logistic regression revealed that male gender (OR = 2.135, 95% CI = 1.022-4.776), majoring in aged health care and management (OR = 3.138, 95% CI = 1.505-6.544), living with older adults (OR = 1.639, 95% CI = 1.014-2.650), and higher frequency of volunteering for older adults (≥ 3 times) (OR = 1.945, 95% CI = 1.092-3.465) were positively associated with career intention in OAC. Meanwhile, ageism was negatively associated with the intention to pursue a career in OAC (OR = 0.972, 95% CI = 0.947-0.997).
Conclusion:
This study suggests that students' majors, interactions with older adults, and ageism are associated with their future career intention in OAC. The factors identified can be used to guide the development of talent cultivation strategies for OAC in order to promote the development of OAC human resources in China.
Impact:
It is essential to incorporate intergenerational interaction opportunities into the curricula and practical training of students preparing for careers in older adult care in China.
Reporting Method:
This study followed the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional research.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
This study did not involve patients or the public in its design, conduct or reporting.
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