Determinants of medical students' perceptions of older people: a cross-sectional study

The dynamics of population ageing is increasing the demand for professional geriatric care. At the same time, ambivalent and even negative attitudes towards older people are still observed among medical students, which may affect the quality of care. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of medical students' perceptions of older people and to identify factors differentiating these attitudes.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey, covering 203 medical students. A standardised Scale of Attitudes Towards Older Adults (SPWS) was used, comprising three subscales: Respect and Support, Rejection and Lack of Understanding, and Social Distance.

The mean age of respondents was 22.51 ± 1.98 years, with women constituting the majority (73.89%). The largest group consisted of nursing students (30.54%). Frequent or very frequent contact with older adults was declared by 66.01% of respondents. Overall, students demonstrated positive attitudes, particularly on the Respect and Support subscale (M = 4.49 ± 0.61). The field of study significantly differentiated the results of the Rejection and Lack of Understanding subscales (H = 30.03; p < 0.001), with nursing students scoring higher than dental students (p < 0.001) and paramedic (p < 0.01) students. Differences according to sex were also observed, with women scoring higher than men in this dimension (Z = 3.75; p < 0.001). However, although these scores were higher than those observed among men, they remained close to the midpoint of the scale, indicating a moderate or ambivalent level of rejection and lack of understanding rather than a distinctly negative attitude.

Medical students mostly demonstrated positive attitudes towards older people, particularly in terms of respect and willingness to provide support. Regular contact with older people and appropriately designed gerontological education may contribute to more positive attitudes towards older adults and help counteract ageism among future healthcare professionals.