Effects of aging simulation program on attitudes and willingness toward older adults care among undergraduate nursing students in Hong Kong: A randomized controlled trial

26^th World Congress on Nursing Care

May 21-23, 2018 Osaka, Japan

Lam Yuen Yan, Chui Yik Wing, Li Po Po, Ling Tsz Ki, Ma Pui Kin, Ng Ka Chun, Tsui Hoi Man, Yau Wai Hin and Cheng L S Winnie

Tung Wah College, Hong Kong

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Background & Purpose: Care of older adult forms the major bulk of nursing duty as a result of the increasing ageing population around the world. However, previous studies showed that nursing students are unwilling to take care of older adults. There is an urgent need to change the attitude of nursing students toward the care of older adults before they join the nursing workforce. This study proposed an intervention-Aging Simulation Program (ASP)-to promote the positive attitudes and willingness toward older adults care among nursing students. Method: A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design was adopted. 139 participants were randomly assigned to either intervention group (ASP) or control group. The attitude and willingness towards older adults care were assessed by Kogan�s attitudes toward Old People scale (KOP), 1-item scale, namely, willingness toward the elderly care, respectively. The knowledge of older adults care was assessed with Palmore�s aging quiz to determine the relationship between knowledge and willingness, as well as knowledge and attitude. Result: Preliminary findings were obtained from 69 participants in intervention group and 70 in control group. After intervention, the attitude score of the ASP and control group was mean=143.72 and SD=17.054 and mean=146.53 and SD=13.572, respectively; the willingness score of the ASP and control group was mean=5.45 and SD=1.132 and mean=5.60 and SD=0.954, respectively. There were no significant differences in nursing student's attitudes and willingness toward the older adults care between the two groups after intervention. Nonetheless, the willingness toward older adult care had statistically significant increase (P<0.01) in each group. Conclusion: The ASP in the study may not be able to promote the attitude and willingness toward older adults care among nursing students. There is a need for nurse educators to examine other strategy in encouraging nursing students in caring of older adults.

Biography :

Lam Yuen Yan is currently pursuing Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing at Tung Wah College, Hong Kong.
Email:tiffanylam1211@gmail.com