Finnish nurse students' attitudes towards older adults and the teaching of gerontological nursing - A survey study

Abstract

Background: Finland has one of the oldest populations in Europe. Gerontological nursing is unfortunately not appealing to nurse students.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine nurse students' attitudes towards older adults and their suggestions about gerontological nursing course.

Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Settings: One university of applied sciences in Finland.

Participants: A total sample of nurse students (n = 523).

Methods: Data were collected in 2015 using KAOP scale that included background questions and one open question. The data were analyzed statistically and thematized. The themes were then quantified as frequencies.

Results: The response rate was 47.5%. The mean age was 26.9 years. The results showed that students' attitudes were positive towards older adults. Factor analysis produced a four factor (characteristic value >1.0) model (explanation rate 44%, x² 118,770, df = 74 and p = .001). A four-factor model was however not justifiable, as only one variable loaded onto the fourth factor. The range of the communalities of the variables chosen for the factor analysis was between 0.37 and 0.99. There were seven such variables and their reliability was high (α = 0.71). The positive attitude was described by reciprocal understanding, social skills of older adults and older adults' ability to maintain their home and themselves. Of the suggestions for improving the teaching of gerontological nursing, 60% were related to the contents of teaching, 37% to didactic solutions and 3% to the capabilities of the teacher.

Conclusions: Students consider older adults as individuals with their own personalities and many resources, a view that should not be lost after graduation. The study showed a demand for moving teaching away from classrooms to the real environments of older people's care. Using various methods such as lectures by experts by experience can make the topic more appealing.

Keywords: Attitudes; Education; Gerontological nursing; Nurse students; Older adults.