Comparing the Attitudes of Occupational Therapy Students and Alumni Towards Old People

 Healthcare providers have different attitudes toward old people; such an attitude can impact providing effective services to them. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the attitudes of Occupational Therapy (OT) students and alumni towards the elderly. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 125 students and alumni of OT with a Mean±SD age of 22.4±1.24 years (70 women, 55 men). The subjects were selected using convenience sampling method. Data collection tools were Kogan’s Attitude Toward Old People (KAOP) scale and a demographic data questionnaire.  For statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used.  The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS at the significance level of P≤0.05.  The mean score of attitudes of occupational therapists toward elderly was 151.448; i.e. an intermediate attitude. The highest scores regarded to the subjects with a PhD, subjects with ≥5 years of practical experience, and those working in the psychiatry field. The mean scores of subjects with an experience of caring for the elderly and those without such experience were the same (mean=151). There was a statistically significant relationship (P<0.05) between attitude score and educational grade of the subjects; however, there was no significant relationship between attitude score and practical experience, working field and the experience of providing care to the elderly (P>0.05).  The attitudes of occupational therapists towards the elderly tend to be positive; however, because of their high contacts with old people, this attitude score is not enough. the obtained results can be used as a basis for developing programs of attitude promotion towards the elderly in future studies.