Introduction:The aims of the study were to investigate the four-factor structure of the German version of the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) and to gain initial insights into the attitudes of nursing, medical and humanities students towards older people in Austria. Method:A cross-sectional study design with a convenience sample was chosen. Results:The ASD was completed by 255 Austrian nursing, medicine, and humanities students, who described their attitudes towards persons who are 80 years of age and older. The applicability of the four-factor structure (instrumentality, autonomy, acceptability and integrity) of the German version was confirmed by performing a confirmatory factor analysis. The mean age of students in our sample was 23.6 years; 79% of these were female. The sample displayed negative attitudes regarding the factors of autonomy and instrumentality, but more positive attitudes regarding the factors integrity and acceptability. The attitudes of the students in the three study programmes differed, with the medical students displaying the most negative attitudes. Students who displayed positive attitudes had statistically significantly higher levels of knowledge about ageism and better possibilities to hold personal conversations with older people (80+) in the family or circle of friends. Conclusion:We conclude that having more knowledge about ageism and close personal contacts to older persons can support positive attitudes towards older individuals.

This study validated a Swedish translation of the Aging Semantic Differential Scale (ASD, 32-items) distributed online. Translation and back-translation were conducted. A convenience sample of nursing students completed the online questionnaire (N = 292) in spring 2020. Confirmatory factor analysis tested a validated four-factor structure consisting of 26 items, and the reliability and validity of the scale were tested. The Swedish version of the ASD was found to be reliable and valid. Model fit indices, internal reliability, and scale validity were acceptable. Construct validity was verified, and mean differences were observed, in accord with previous research regarding participants’ age, sex, clinical experience, and personal relationships with older individuals. The findings provide cross-cultural validation of the ASD by extending its international use. The validation of an online version expands data collection flexibility. As this modified instrument required only 26 items, it may be beneficial for use in future studies and practical settings.

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Background and rationale Ageism in nursing, particularly regarding oldest‐old adults (age ≥80 years), adversely affects patient safety and care quality. Nurse education can reduce ageist attitudes. Swedish and Austrian nursing students’ attitudes towards adults age ≥80 years have not been assessed. Aims To analyse attitudes towards adults age ≥80 years among nursing students from universities in Sweden and Austria. Design A prospective cross‐sectional survey including the four‐factor, 26‐item validated Ageing Semantic Differential scale and demographic questions. Methods A pen‐and‐paper survey was administered to nursing students at the Medical University of Graz, Austria (May–June 2019); an online survey was conducted at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden (January–June 2020). Demographic data were analysed descriptively; means and individual item ratings were calculated for each country. Multiple logistic regression was performed for each factor of the instrument: (1) Instrumentality, (2) Autonomy, (3) Acceptability and (4) Integrity. Six independent variables were included in the regression analysis. Results In total, 136 Austrian and 222 Swedish students responded (88% women). Compared with Austrian students, Swedish students were older and had more positive attitudes about oldest‐old adults. Swedish students’ median factor ratings (7‐point scale) were 3.62 (Factor 1), 3.50 (Factor 2), 2.71 (Factor 3) and 3.80 (Factor 4). Austrian students’ median ratings were 4.25 (Factor 1), 3.83 (Factor 2), 3.28 (Factor 3) and 4.00 (Factor 4). Regression analyses showed that the variables country, older family member/acquaintance, and age were associated with the different factors. Discussion Compared with Austrian students, Swedish students’ attitudes towards oldest‐old adults were more favourable. We discussed the findings at individual, interpersonal/intergroup and societal/cultural levels and present implications for education and research. Conclusions Nurse education should address ageism as a multilevel phenomenon, and include the person‐centred care perspective. Further research comparing nursing students’ attitudes from different cultures is needed.