Abstract :
[en] Introduction
Negative stereotypes concerning elderly persons are widespread in general population. When they are adopted by health care professionals, it can decrease the quality of care or even induce disability. That’s why medical curriculum should take the question of ageism in consideration. Though, little is known about ageism among medical students and its determinants.
Method
We conducted a study on Rennes University (France) medical students (year 2 to year 6) using on line questionnaire. Validated tools, such as Fraboni Scale of Ageism, and innovating ones, such as verbal fluency task about aging and youth, have been proposed. Results have been compared with those obtained in Liège, Belgium, and analyzed according to age, gender, year of study, and geriatric training.
Results
Response rate was above 90%, leading to 814 replies. Replies, especially at the verbal fluency task, demonstrate the strength of negative stereotypes, with similar results in Rennes and Liège. No effect of courses or internship in geriatrics has been identified. Negative stereotypes seem lower in female students, and in those who have regular contact with elderly persons, especially if these contacts are good.
Key conclusion
Ageism is widespread in French medical students, whatever the year of study. Enhancing positive contacts between elderly persons and medical students may be an effective way to prevent it, but may be challenging to implement. Further studies could focus on implicit stereotypes to underplay the social desirability bias.
