Nursing students’ attitudes towards older people and future career choices in Macao-A pilot study

Abstract

Background: As global ageing, Macao also faces challenges with regards to an aging population. Not many nursing students are willing to choose gerontological nursing (GN) as a career choice. This pilot study was conducted on a small sample of Macao nursing students to assess nursing students’ attitudes towards older people and their future career choices. Moreover, this pilot study is aimed to validate the survey questionnaire for the further study.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey to explore 30 Macao nursing students’ attitudes towards older people and future career choices. Kogan’s attitudes towards older people scale (KAOP) was adopted in this study.

Results: About 33.3% nursing students agreed to work in GN after graduation. Only 6.7% participants chose “aged care institute” as their first choice for future career. Participants have higher mean scores of KAOP that indicate more positive attitudes towards older people. “GN practice experience” and “personal preference” are confirmed as contributors for nursing students towards GN in this study.

Conclusions: Macao nursing students have positive attitudes towards older people but not many of them would choose GN as future career. This pilot study provided knowledge to current nursing educators and government for the situation among nursing students in Macao.