Does The Level of Intercultural Sensitivity of Nurses Affect Their Attitudes Towards The Elderly?

Abstract

Abstract Aim: The study aimed to examine the relationship between the intercultural sensitivity levels of nurses and their attitudes towards the elderly. Method: The study was a descriptive research, examining relationships among variables design and was conducted with 202 nurses working in a private, public and university hospital in Istanbul, between the dates of 15 March and 15 June 2023, who volunteered to participate in the research (n=202). In collection of the data “Personal Information Form”, “Intercultural Sensitivity Scale” and “Kogan's Attitudes Toward Old People Scale” were used. Descriptive statistics, independent groups t-test and one-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U, spearman correlation tests were used in the analysis of the data. Results: The mean score of the intercultural sensitivity level of the nurses was 78.21±8.49, the mean score of the attitude level towards the elderly was 127.85±14.93, and a significant negative correlation was found between them. It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the nurses' professional experience, the place where they lived for a long time, their recognition and knowledge of the culture of the patient they care for, and their scale scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the study, it was found that the nurses' attitudes towards the elderly were at a good level, their intercultural sensitivity levels were above the average score of the scale, and there was a significant negative correlation with each other. It is recommended to determine the strategies to increase and develop the intercultural sensitivity of nurses and their attitudes towards the elderly in a positive way.