Attitudes of Healthcare Workers towards Older People in a Rural Population: A Survey Using the Kogan Scale
2011

Healthcare Workers' Attitudes Towards Older People

Sample size: 190 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mandy Doherty, Elizabeth A. Mitchell, Siobhan O'Neill

Primary Institution: University of Ulster

Hypothesis

Do healthcare workers in a rural population hold positive attitudes towards older people?

Conclusion

The study found that healthcare workers generally hold positive attitudes towards older people, with university education linked to more positive attitudes.

Supporting Evidence

  • 97.3% of scores fell into the 'slightly positive' to 'very positive' ranges.
  • University graduates had significantly higher KOP scores than those without university qualifications.
  • 83% of healthcare assistants had undertaken relevant training courses.

Takeaway

Most healthcare workers like older people and think they deserve good care. Going to university helps them feel even better about helping older folks.

Methodology

A survey using Kogan's Attitudes Towards Older People Scale was conducted among healthcare workers in a rural county.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the convenience sampling method and the self-reported nature of the survey.

Limitations

The study did not collect participants' ages, which is a significant factor influencing attitudes.

Participant Demographics

Participants included registered nurses, healthcare assistants, ward managers, student nurses, and public health nurses.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.044

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2011/352627

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