Abstract:
Background and Aim: Nurses perception and attitude towards an older patient can positively or negatively influence the quality rendered. As students under training, the views of this population needs to be sought and shaped to
improve the quality of care the older patients receive. This is because life expectancy is on the rise. The study aimed to
explore students’ perception of ageing and their attitude towards care of the older adults.
Methods and materials: An exploratory descriptive design was used. Data form containing the sociodemographic
attributes of the students and a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers in line with the literature. The participants interviewed were student nurses who had been in clinical practice for at least one semester.
Four focus group discussions (FGD) were held.
Results: Average age of the participants was 22.30 years. An equal number of males and females (15 each) were
recruited to have a balance in gender. Students expressed that they saw the older adults as their grandparents so
they try to accord them respect and care. However, older adults are perceived not receptive to nurses in training. The
students stated that registered nurses neglected the basic care of older adults such as diaper changes, bathing, and
feeding, and would rather beckon student nurses to attend to the older adults.
Conclusion: Gerontology as a stand-alone course is necessary for early years of training to give an in-depth education to nursing students and instill a positive attitude towards older adult patients.
