Hana Zaina W. Naheel ,Hani Mahad Hassan, Alexandra Chloe Llagas Isayas , Manal Macadato Lucman , supervisor Dr Jacqueline Maria Dias
Nursing students' attitudes towards geriatric care: Implications for future curriculum development and training in the UAE
The UAE’s aging population highlights the urgent need for competent geriatric care. However, nursing curricula lack dedicated geriatric training. This mixed-methods study surveyed 151 nursing students using Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People (KAOP) Scale and open-ended questions. Most were female (68.9%), aged 21–23 years, and 76.8% showed slightly negative attitudes (mean score 128.15/204). Only 19.9% were willing to work with older adults. Preference for standalone geriatric courses correlated with positive attitudes (ß = 0.311, p < 0.001). Themes included curriculum gaps, communication, and facility challenges.
