Knowledge and Attitude towards Ageing among Health Science University Students

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Health Science graduates are increasingly in demand for improving and providing life services among the ageing population. Having substantial knowledge and positive attitude towards ageing will be a key step towards better care giving. However, to date there is limited published literature regarding knowledge and attitude towards ageing among health science students in Malaysia. The objective of our study was to assess knowledge and attitudes towards ageing among health science students. METHODOLOGY: A total of 786 (120 male, 666 female) health science undergraduates participated in this study. This cross-sectional study was conducted using Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz I (FAQ I) and Kogan’s Attitudes towards Older People (KAOP) to assess knowledge of ageing and attitudes towards older adults respectively. RESULTS: Majority of students in clinical (69.6%) and non-clinical programmes (65.6%) showed moderate knowledge towards ageing. More than two-third of students in clinical (77.2%) and non-clinical programs (75.8%) demonstrated a slightly positive attitude towards ageing. A significant moderate positive correlation (r=.308, p< 0.05) was found between knowledge of ageing and attitudes towards older adults. Clinical type of programme (t = -1.97, p <0 .05) and Malay ethnicity (t = 2.37, p < 0.001) were significant factors that influenced both knowledge and attitudes towards ageing. CONCLUSION: Health science students demonstrated a moderate knowledge and positive attitude towards ageing. Refining the current geriatric care curriculum with integration of experiential learning may further enhance knowledge and attitude towards ageing in health science students.

Keywords

• attitudes
• beliefs
• knowledge
• older adults
• undergraduates