Implicit Attitudes Towards Aging Among Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Students in India: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: India is currently undergoing a significant demographic shift, as highlighted by the 2011 census, which reported that the population of older adults aged over 60 years has reached approximately 103.8 million, and those over 80 years have reached 11.3 million. It is suggested that by the year 2046, the elderly population will surpass the number of children aged between 0-15. This rapid growth highlights the importance of enhancing care services for older adults. However, a barrier to achieving quality care is ageism-a form of prejudice against individuals based on their age. Ageism can subtly influence clinical decision-making and interaction with older adults, often leading to inadequate or adverse health outcomes. This study seeks to explore the presence of implicit attitudes towards aging among undergraduate occupational therapy students in India. By identifying whether ageism exists among students, we can take steps to address it effectively.Aim: The aim of the study is to determine whether undergraduate occupational therapy students in India have a positive or negative attitude towards older adultsObjectives: To determine whether undergraduate occupational therapy students exhibit positive or negative attitudes towards older adults.To explore the differences in implicit attitudes towards aging among undergraduate occupational therapy students across different academic years.To explore the difference in attitudes towards older adults between male and female studentsTo examine whether living with their grandparents result in less ageism among them.Study Design: Cross-sectional studyMethods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 139 undergraduate occupational therapy students in India. Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People (KAOP) Scale was used to understand the attitude of undergraduate occupational therapy students towards older adults. The questionnaire was then sent to participants in Google Forms through online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and WhatsApp. The collected data was subsequently analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS V-27 and Jamovi.Results: The average KAOP score among 139 undergraduate occupational therapy students was 128 (SD=11.8), indicating moderately positive attitudes toward older adults. No significant differences were found based on gender, academic year, or residing with grandparents.Conclusion: The current study revealed that undergraduate occupational therapy students in India generally hold moderately positive attitudes towards older adults, with no significant differences detected across gender, academic levels, or residing with grandparents. The lack of significant impact from demographic variables suggests that factors other than these demographics may play a greater role in shaping attitudes. Incorporating structured gerontological education and training, positive clinical experiences and educators may have a greater role in shaping students’ perceptions.