ANALYSIS OF THE ATTITUDES AND APPROACHES OF THE PHYSIOTHERAPY AND REHABILITATION STUDENTS TOWARDS THE ELDERLY

Introduction: Turkey is the second most rapidly aging country in the world which requires reconsideration of planning and healthcare services related to the health state of the older people. For qualified healthcare services, positive attitudes and behaviours of health professionals (physicians, nurses, physiotherapists etc.) towards older people beginning from the undergraduate period carry utmost importance. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes and behaviour of physiotherapy students training in different regions of Turkey towards older people. Materials and Method: Attitudes and behaviour of 1270 students towards older people were evaluated using the Turkish version of the UCLA-GA scale. Results: Mean UCLA-GA score was 48.18 +/- 5.67. Female students demonstrated a more positive attitude and behaviour towards older people than male students. Positive attitude and behaviours towards older people were stronger in students who were living with an older individual, in those who wanted to live with his/her older relative/intimate, who visited nursing homes, who wanted to work in the field of geriatrics after they graduate, and in those who attended courses or any meeting organised during their training period. Conclusion: The attitudes and behaviour of physiotherapy students towards older people can change dependent on various factors including gender of the students, whether they want to work in the field of geriatric rehabilitation during their postgraduate period, have attended training, course or meetings during their undergraduate education, visited nursing homes, or want to live with an old individual.