Factors Affecting the Social Distance toward Older Adults of Nursing Students

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the factors related to the social distance toward older adults in nursing college students.METHODS: The participants comprised 137 students in a nursing college. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires in March 2019. The measurement instruments included social distance scales, the Fact on Aging Quiz (FAQ I), a 20-item semantic differential scale (to assess attitudes), and the perceived elderly stigma scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation coefficient, and a multiple regression analysis.RESULTS: The total score for social distance toward older adults was 3.98±0.54 out of a maximum of 5. Social distance had a statistically significant relationship with knowledge (r=.20, p=.022), attitudes toward older adults (r=−.31, p < .001), and elderly stigma (r=−.27 p=.008). The factors affecting social distance were education in geriatrics (β=.33, p=.004), grade (β=-.29, p=.014), attitudes (β=−.21, p=.018), academic major satisfaction (β=.19, p=.028), and knowledge (β=.15, p=.048); the explanatory power of the model was 34%.CONCLUSION: There is a need for departmental efforts that nursing students acquire correct knowledge about the life and health of the elderly with the aging process and develop positive attitudes toward older adults through various experiences in gerontological nursing practicum and community senior-college student link programs.