Willingness to care for older people and associated factors in pre-registered student nurses: A multi-country survey study

Abstract

Background: Addressing nursing students' lack of interest in providing care for the aged population is a global challenge for nursing educators. Despite global interest in student nurses' readiness for older people care, almost all the literature has been identified from single countries, predominantly with high income per capita. At present, no study has been conducted to provide evidence-based data related to this topic from a multi-country perspective.

Objective: The study's purpose was to examine the willingness to work with older persons and associated factors among student nurses from nine countries (or regions).

Design: This study utilized a correlational and cross-sectional design.

Settings: This was a multi-country survey study conducted in China, Chile, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Greece, the State of Palestine (henceforth Palestine), the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia.

Participants: 2250 baccalaureate nursing students were recruited from 10 universities in this study.

Methods: The survey that was used to collect data comprised four parts: socio-demographic data, attitude toward aging, older person care perception, and willingness to work with such group.

Results: Respondents in five regions (including Mainland China, Greece, Hong Kong, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia) stated that older persons were the least favored group for future career choices. In comparison with mainland China, respondents in Chile, India, and the Philippines were significantly more likely to be willing to care for older patients, but those in Egypt and Greece indicated a lower tendency to choose this option. Favorable attitudes toward aging and older person care perception were significantly associated with having the willingness to provide care to gerontologic patients in the future.

Conclusions: Although attitudes toward aging and older person care perception have long been confirmed as important factors that are linked with willingness in caring for older people, this study adds that location is a more influential factor. Additional research in other countries is needed to advance the knowledge in this important area.

Keywords: Attitude; Gerontology; Nursing students; Older persons; Perceptions; Work preference.