Exploring Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Aging Among Nursing and Nonnursing Students

摘要

Increasing life expectancies and more years spent living with chronic illnesses mean that increasing numbers of older adults will require nursing care. However, most nurses prefer not to work with older adults, and many nursing students have limited knowledge and negative attitudes towards aging and older adults. This study examined the knowledge and attitudes toward aging in nursing and nonnursing students. Participants completed Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz-Multiple Choice Format and the Perspectives on Caring for Older Patients Scale. Nursing students scored significantly higher than other students on knowledge of aging and attitudes towards older adults.