Holly Beard, MPA¹, Ann Marie Kopitzke, MPA¹, R.S. Benjamin-Coleman, MPH, PhD², Carolyn Rutledge, PhD¹, and Laurel S. Garzon, DNSc, CPNP². (1) College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 129 Spong Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529, (757)683-4256, hbear001@odu.edu, (2) School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, 4608 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23529-0500

Purpose: This study examines the attitudes of first-year NP (nurse-practitioner) students towards the elderly. Specifically, it explores the relationship of cultural competence to these attitudes. The effects of demographic and work characteristics are also assessed.

Methods: A survey was administered by e-mail to all entering 41 NP (RR 100%) students in a Southeastern university. Attitudes towards the elderly are assessed using the Geriatric Attitudes Scale and cultural competence is assessed using the Camphina-Bacote inventory. All students are female, 82% are white, and the average age is 37 years (range 23-53). On average, they worked as RN’s for 12.5 years. The majority (93%) attend classes at distant sites. The chi-square test is used to examine the relationship of demographics, work and cultural competence to attitudes towards the elderly.

Results: Over half (58%) have markedly positive attitudes towards the elderly. Chi square analyses concluded that cultural competence is strongly associated with positive attitudes; 91% of those scoring as culturally competent have a positive attitude, as opposed to 45% of those not scoring as culturally competent. Culturally competent nurses were 12 times more likely to have a positive attitude towards elderly patients controlling for race and age in a logistic regression model (p<=.032). There is no relationship between demographic factors, years of experience and attitudes.

Conclusions: A general level of cultural competence may be a predictor of positive attitudes towards the elderly. Further research should be completed to determine if, over time increased cultural competency training would foster positive attitudes towards the elderly.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the attitudes of first year NP students towards the elderly.
• Recognize the relationship of cultural competence to attitudes towards the elderly.

Keywords: Aging, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.