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 language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 377-389 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Canadian Journal on Aging |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Dec 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
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