Cultural- and Educational-Level Differences in Students Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preferences for Working With Older Adults: An Israeli Perspective

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of nursing education on students’ knowledge, attitudes, and preferences to work with older adults in an ethnically diverse Israeli society. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, Kogan's Old People Scale was used to measure attitudes toward older adults and Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz-1 to assess the level of knowledge of nursing students in four cohorts. Results: Of the 224 nursing students who responded to the survey, 55% were Jewish and 45% were Arabs. Ethnicity and knowledge were the strongest correlates (p <.0001) of attitudes, and attitudes and ethnicity (p <.0001) correlated with work preferences. Conclusions: While knowledge of old age among students increased, preferences for future career in geriatrics declined with education. Ethnicity was a strong predictor of attitudes and future intentions to work with older adults. Culturally tailored educational programs focused on changing the attitudes toward aging are critically needed.