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Wang L, Zou H, Liu J. Mediating effects of ageism and knowledge on the relationship between contact with older adults and attitudes toward older adults' sexuality among nursing students. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2023; 122:105740. [PMID: 36724590 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare professionals often ignore sexuality in aging and avoid discussing related topics, especially in China. Nursing students, as future professionals, can address the sexuality of older adults encountered in clinical practice by establishing positive attitudes toward aging sexuality. Previous studies have demonstrated that contact has positive impacts on nursing students' attitudes toward aging sexuality. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying this relationship between contact and attitudes. OBJECTIVES To explore the mediating effects of ageism and knowledge on the relationship between contact and nursing students' attitudes toward aging sexuality. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study. SETTINGS The study was conducted at a nursing school in Hefei city, China. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS 614 nursing students completed online-administered questionnaires measuring the level of contact with older adults, ageism, knowledge, and attitudes toward aging sexuality. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. RESULTS The mean scores for knowledge and attitudes toward aging sexuality were 85.70 (SD = 16.39) and 104.91 (SD = 14.88), respectively. Overall, our findings confirmed that these hypotheses were accepted. Ageism (β = -0.079, P = 0.007) and knowledge (β = -0.070, P < 0.001) mediated the relationship between contact and attitude. CONCLUSION Given the mediating role of ageism and knowledge in the relationship between contact and attitude, reducing ageism and enhancing knowledge are vital to changing students' attitudes, including integrating ageism and aging sexuality knowledge learning into the nursing curriculum and creating opportunities for contact with older adults. The frequency and quality of contact between nursing students and older adults can be improved by rationalizing the internship duration, tasks, and assessment objectives of placements on geriatric wards and by the role of clinical faculty role models in cultivating positive attitudes toward aging sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Haiou Zou
- School of Nursing, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Nursing, Beijing An Ding Hospital, Beijing 100088, China
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Venables H, Wells Y, Fetherstonhaugh D, Wallace H. Factors associated with nursing students' attitudes toward older people: A scoping review. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2023; 44:131-150. [PMID: 34927567 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2021.2012466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nursing students rate geriatric nursing poorly in career preferences, but aging populations mean more older people require access to health care. Negative attitudes held by nursing students can lead to ageism affecting the quality of care provided. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize research findings in the published literature relating to factors associated with nursing students' attitudes toward older people, and the tools used to measure these attitudes. The Joanna Briggs Institute guide for conducting a scoping review was used. Eleven databases and search engines were searched for international peer reviewed research articles published in English between January 2000 and February 2021. Sixteen articles were included in the review. This review highlights areas for affirmative action to improve undergraduate nursing students' attitudes toward older people to prepare them to work effectively in future health care systems. Positive attitudes were associated with: senior years of study; professional values (caring, professionalism, trust); education regarding care of older adults; knowledge about aging; contact with older family members; comfort communicating with older people; and willingness to work with older people following graduation. It also identified the need for a current, nursing-specific measure of attitudes toward older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Venables
- College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Yvonne Wells
- Lincoln Centre for Research on Ageing, La Trobe University Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Deirdre Fetherstonhaugh
- Australian Centre for Evidence Based Aged Care, La Trobe University Melbourne Campus, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Heather Wallace
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Australia
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Crutzen C, Missotten P, Adam S, Schroyen S. Does caring lead to stigmatisation? The perception of older people among healthcare professionals and the general population: A cross-sectional study. Int J Older People Nurs 2022; 17:e12457. [PMID: 35267232 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well recognised that healthcare professionals are particularly at risk for developing a negative perception of older people. Indeed, in addition to receiving education centred on a biomedical view of ageing, they are constantly exposed to the most vulnerable and dependent older individuals. AIM The purpose of our study is to compare the perception of older people between health professionals, working in a nursing home and the general population. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study. The perception of older people was measured using two different instruments: the image-of-ageing question and the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) scale. We performed t-test to compare the perception of older individuals between the general population and healthcare professionals. RESULTS The image-of-ageing question does not show any difference between the general population (n = 148) and healthcare professionals (n = 107). In these both groups, almost half of the words cited in reference to older individuals were negative. Concerning the ASD, results show that healthcare professionals have significantly more negative perceptions towards older individuals than the general population (with the control of age, gender and educational level). CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals seem to have a more negative view of older people than the general population. Their regular contact with the frailest older adults could explain this finding. Another hypothesis could be a non-optimal quality of contact in nursing homes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Such results highlight the importance to promote a more holistic view of ageing in educational programs of healthcare professional. Improving the quality of contact with nursing homes residents should be strongly considered to reduce ageism among healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coline Crutzen
- Psychology of Aging Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Stéphane Adam
- Psychology of Aging Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sarah Schroyen
- Psychology of Aging Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Fisher K, Watson J, Willis JL, Hawley D, Severance J, Butler Carroll T, Jackson L. Collective Perceptions of Aging and Older Persons Held by Students From Eight Healthcare Professions. J Appl Gerontol 2021; 41:855-866. [PMID: 34958243 DOI: 10.1177/07334648211061734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to increase the number of students entering the geriatric workforce, an understanding of factors influencing career preference and what may prevent students from pursuing geriatric careers is necessary. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, the aim of this study was to provide insight for geriatric educators regarding the collective perceptions of aging and older persons held by 864 students from eight healthcare professions. Quantitative questions assessed students' attitudes (Geriatric Attitudes Scale). Student responses to four open-ended questions were assessed using conventional content analysis. Results included rich narrative examples of healthcare professions students' perceptions and understanding of the aging process, as well as myths and misconceptions of aging and older persons that can be used to inform geriatric curricula across multiple health professions training and education programs. Geriatric education is a critical avenue to correct misperceptions, quell ageism and address the current shortage in the geriatrician workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Fisher
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, 3402Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Watson
- Davies School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 3402Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Jada L Willis
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Diane Hawley
- Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences-Nursing, 3402Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Severance
- Department of Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, 53417University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Traci Butler Carroll
- Department of Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Lynn Jackson
- Department of Social Work, 3402Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Jester DJ, Hyer K, Wenders A, Andel R. Attitudes toward aging of health professions students: Implications for geriatrics education. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2021; 42:589-603. [PMID: 33111652 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2020.1835657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We compared attitudes toward aging of students from several health professions (N = 1,156: 286 medical, 275 pharmacy, 213 undergraduate nursing, 160 graduate nursing, 139 Internal Medicine residents, 49 physical therapy, and 34 physician assistant), and assessed the construct validity of the Image of Aging Scale. Physical therapy and graduate nursing students reported more positive attitudes toward aging in comparison to all other health professions (all p <.001). Differences in attitudes were not strongly affected by demographic variables, clinical exposure, desire to pursue primary care, or interest in providing care to older adults. The Image of Aging Scale yielded good internal reliability and adequate construct validity for health professions students. Health professions students' attitudes toward aging largely reflect the students' professional training, rather than student characteristics or career goals. The Image of Aging Scale is a robust measure of attitudes toward aging in health professions students and in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J Jester
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kathryn Hyer
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Anna Wenders
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ross Andel
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Neurology, Memory Clinic, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Long EM, Hale RL. Improving nursing students' confidence in caring for persons with dementia. Geriatr Nurs 2021; 43:309-311. [PMID: 34090726 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing students need experiences providing patient centered care for persons with dementia. METHODS Students were provided with a voluntary opportunity to complete an online educational module that focused on caring for persons with dementia. Dementia knowledge was measured with the Alzheimer Dementia and Knowledge Scale and confidence was assessed with the Sense of Competence in Dementia Care Staff Scale. RESULTS Data suggested that students developed an increased confidence in caring for persons with dementia after the education. Key to person centered care, students demonstrated an increased ability to sustain person hood and build relationships. CONCLUSIONS The growing complexity and needs of persons with dementia in various practice settings requires a nursing workforce able to apply clinical reasoning and provide person centered care. Further studies are needed exploring the effects of online educational opportunities on learning outcomes and clinical reasoning to build confidence in caring for persons with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Long
- Community Based Service Learning Coordinator, Lamar University, United States.
| | - Regina L Hale
- Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies and Student Retention, JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, Lamar University, United States.
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Carlson KJ, Black DR, Holley LM, Coster DC. Stereotypes of Older Adults: Development and Evaluation of an Updated Stereotype Content and Strength Survey. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 60:e347-e356. [PMID: 31141138 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Stereotypes are beliefs about a particular group often adopted to bypass complex information processing. Like racism and other forms of discrimination, ageism affects individuals and society as a whole. The purpose of the study was to analyze the Stereotype Content and Strength Survey (SCSS) designed to update assessment tools commonly used to measure stereotypes of older adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS An updated survey was developed including aging-related descriptive items from previously published studies. Students enrolled at two Midwestern universities (n = 491) were directed to think about their perceptions of "older adults" and select the proportion they believed could be described by the items used in the tool. Response categories for each descriptive item were dichotomized and operationalized to be a strong stereotype if the collapsed response percentage was significantly ≥80%. RESULTS A Principal Axis Factor analysis and Direct Oblim rotation was computed on 117 descriptive items representing positive, negative, and physical characteristics, resulting in a 3-factor model with acceptable psychometric properties. Cronbach alpha analyses revealed reliable scales for negative (α = .92), positive (α = .88), and physical (α = .81) stereotypes. Of 117 descriptive items, 33 emerged as strong stereotypes including 30 positive, 2 physical, and 1 negative item. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This updated assessment has the potential to contribute to an understanding of the existence of age-related stereotypes as well as the strength, or the proportion of older adults who could be described by each of the items used in the SCSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy J Carlson
- Department of Internal Medicine Hospitalist Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
| | - David R Black
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Lyn M Holley
- Department of Gerontology, University of Nebraska Omaha
| | - Daniel C Coster
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Utah State University, Logan
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Long EM, Gummelt G. Experiential Service Learning: Building skills and sensitivity with Kolb's learning theory. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2020; 41:219-232. [PMID: 31564226 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2019.1673386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Preparing a healthcare workforce able to respond to the growing complexity of health issues facing older adults is a critical issue for interprofessional educators. Students are in need of experiences promoting confidence and skill in communicating with older adults with cognitive issues. Student emotional and cognitive responses to an interprofessional Music and Memory® project in long term care facilities were evaluated. Forty-eight students met with assigned adults weekly to develop personalized music playlists and complete a journal entry. Student participants demonstrated improved interpersonal connections, enhanced professional skills, and increased empathy toward clients. Results are explored within the context of Kolb's Learning Theory and application of the evaluation outcomes for interprofessional education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ginger Gummelt
- Nursing, Social Work, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX, USA
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