Relation between Nursing Students’ Knowledge of Aging and Attitude towards Elderly People and Their Will and Intent to Work with the Elderly

Abstract

The changing population structure has many implications for the elderly and nurses must be prepared to meet the challenges of caring for this rapidly increasing segment of population. Aim: Assess nursing students’ knowledge of aging, attitude towards elderly people, will and intent to work with the elderly and determine the relation between nursing students’ knowledge of aging, attitude towards elderly and their will and intent to work with the elderly. Method: A descriptive co-relational study was used via self reported questionnaire, completed by 596 students from the faculty of nursing-Mansoura University. Students’ responses were analyzed using factor analysis, correlation coefficients, T-test, and Anova test. Results: Mansoura nursing students have a lack of knowledge of aging and held a positive attitude toward the elderly. As well they showed a high score of intent and will to work and care for the elderly people. A statistically significant correlation was found between knowledge of aging, attitude toward elderly, intent and will to work and care for the elderly. Conclusion: knowledge of aging of the nursing student should be increased in order to improve quality of care and to provide effective care services to the elderly people using new teaching and educational strategies. Key Words: Knowledge of aging, Attitude, Elderly people, Nursing students, Will, Intent