Shifting Perceptions: A Qualitative Exploration of Saudi Nursing Students' Views on Ageing Before and After a Geriatric Nursing Course.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

As Saudi Arabia faces a growing ageing population, the demand for gerontologically competent nurses is increasingly critical. Yet, nursing students often enter clinical practice with limited exposure to older adults, perpetuating ageist views and inadequate preparedness.

Objective

This study aimed to explore how a geriatric nursing course influenced perceptions of ageing among Saudi nursing students and to identify attitudinal and emotional shifts before and after course completion.

Methods

A qualitative longitudinal design was used with 19 undergraduate nursing students who completed pre- and postcourse reflection activities. Data were collected between January and April 2025 and were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-step framework.

SUBMITTER: Yaghmour S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12739104 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature