Attitudes towards working with older people of health and care professions students — the case study of Podlaskie Voivodeship
Attitudes towards working with older people of health and care professions students — the case study of Podlaskie Voivodeship

Summary/Abstract: This article investigates attitudes toward working with older people among university students and post-secondary school students in medical and care-related educational programs in Podlaskie Voivodeship. Drawing on data collected via a CAWI survey (N=811), the study assesses four dimensions of an attitude: behavioural intentions, perceived attractiveness, as well as perceived positive and negative aspects of work with older adults. The findings reveal a predominance of skeptical attitudes, particularly among university students in academic medical programs (e.g., medicine, nursing), while more positive attitudes are found among those post-secondary school students who were in vocational, care-focused tracks. Based on cluster analysis, three attitudinal profiles were identified: Skeptics, Ambivalents, and Enthusiasts. While the Skeptics form the largest group overall, substantial proportions of Ambivalents and Enthusiasts suggest that attitudes may shift under favourable educational conditions. The study underscores the critical need to shape positive professional attitudes through targeted gerontological education and practical engagement with older adults.

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