Effects of gerontological nursing practicum on attitudes toward elders with dementia and general elders among Korean nursing students

초록

This study investigated changes in attitudes toward elders in general and elders with dementia after students finished gerontological nursing practicum. Self-reported questionnaires were administered before the practicum, right after the practicum and then 8 months after to the same group of senior students. The effects of the practicum across 3 dimensions of the attitudes were different, indicating multidimensionality concept of the attitudes toward olders adults. In terms of the generosity and flexibility dimensions, the attitudes of the students in direct contacts with elders with dementia through the practicum were improved, revealing the immediate effect of the practicum. However the sustainability of the immediate effect was not observed. In terms of educational strategies, facilitating positive interaction with those elders is suggested.