INVESTIGATION OF NURSES’ATTITUDES TOWARDS OLDER ADULTS AND AGEISM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD

Objective: The present study was carried out to determine nurses’ attitudes towards older adults and ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Method: This cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study conducted between July 15, 2020 and August 15, 2020. Data were collected with the Personal Information Form, Age Discrimination Attitude Scale (ADAS), and Kogan Attitudes towards Old People (KAOP) Scale. To collect the study data, online (e-mail, whatsapp) questionnaires sent to the nurses. Of the nurses, 211 who responded to the questionnaires and met the inclusion criteria included in the study. Results: In the study, the mean score the participating nurses obtained from the Age Discrimination Attitude Scale (ADAS) was moderate (71.96±3.88) and its sub-dimensions limiting the life of older adults was high (30.19±2.24). The mean score the participating nurses obtained from the Kogan Attitudes towards Old People (KAOP) Scale was also moderate (104.90±13.23) and its sub-dimensions negative attitudes was high (53.84±9.21). In the study, it was determined that the participating nurses’ displaying positive attitudes towards older adults increased the positive discrimination (p<0.05), and decreased the attitude of limiting the life of older adults and negative discrimination (p<0.05). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic period, as in every period, nurses’ displaying positive attitude and positive discrimination attitude towards older adults whose dependence on others has increased will ensure that older adults will be supported and protected physically, psychologically and socially.