Examining the Attitudes and Knowledge of Social Work and Nursing Students on Later-Life Sexuality

Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan, Ahuva Even-Zohar, Shoshi Werner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We examined ageist beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge towards sexuality in later life among 148 nursing students and 137 social work students in their first year of studies. The students completed the Fraboni Scale of Ageism, the Attitudes and Knowledge towards Older Adults' Sexuality Scale, and questionnaires regarding contact with older adults, prior sexual education, and socio-demographics. The results indicated that nursing students have more conservative attitudes towards older adults' sexuality. Ageist beliefs correlated positively with more conservative attitudes towards older adults' sexuality. These conservative attitudes 'were negatively correlated with knowledge about sexuality in later life. Older students have more knowledge about sexuality in later life and more permissive attitudes towards older adults' sexuality. Religious students have less knowledge, and more conservative attitudes, towards older adults' sexuality. Previous sexual education was not associated with the students' attitudes and knowledge towards older adults' sexuality. Implications for designing continuing education programs are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)377-389
Number of pages13
JournalCanadian Journal on Aging
Volume37
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Copyright Canadian Association on Gerontology 2018.

Keywords

  • aging
  • older adults
  • sexuality
  • social work and nursing students
  • student attitudes
  • student knowledge

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Gerontology
  • Community and Home Care
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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