Abstract
Objective: this study aimed to examine health students' attitudes, knowledge, and interest towards geriatrics and gerontology and evaluate associations. Method: a total of 225 students in the final year of Nursing, Medicine, Speech therapy, Pharmacy, and Physical education participated. The questionnaires included a characterization form, the Aging Semantic Differential Scale, and the Palmore Fact on Aging Quiz. Multiple regression models were used. Results: the attitude towards older people was negative (50.67%) and associated with less interest. The level of knowledge was better among Nursing, Medicine, and older students. Increased knowledge was related to attitude and, in total, 71.43% were interested in geriatrics. Interest was strongly associated with female gender. Conclusion: students showed a high level of knowledge, interest in geriatrics, and a negative attitude towards geriatric care. Actions focused on geriatric training should be implemented.
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