PURPOSE
This study was done to identify the factors involved in ageism in nurses.
METHODS
The participants in this study were 178 general hospital nurses. Data were collected in March 2019 using self-report questionnaires, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and stepwise multiple linear regression.
RESULTS
The total score for ageism was 39.75±5.44 out of a maximum of 72. Ageism had a statistically significant relationship with contact experience (r=-.47, p < .001), attitude (r=.40 p < .001), and aging anxiety (r=.35 p < .001). The determining factors affecting ageism were contact experience (β=-.45, p < .001), attitude(β=.20, p=.002), work place (β=.22, p < .001), marital status (β=.21, p < .001), geriatric nursing preference (β=.18, p=.006), geriatric education (β=.17, p=.006), and aging anxiety (β=.14, p=.041). The explanation power of these variables was 39%.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that contact experience with elders had the largest influence on ageism in nurses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop tailored education programs by hospital type to increase positive contact experience and promote understanding of older patients in acute care settings. Furthermore, the importance of the perception of ageism needs to be highlighted in nursing education and continuing education for nurses.

Citations

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