title: Influence of a poverty simulation on nursing student attitudes toward poverty.
abstract: This study aimed to determine a poverty simulation's influence on nursing students' attitudes toward poverty. Five cohorts of baccalaureate nursing students participated in the study; two cohorts (experimental group, n = 103) participated in the simulation and three did not (control group, n = 75). The Attitudes Towards Poverty Short Form was administered before the simulation and 6 weeks later; higher scores indicated more positive attitudes toward poverty. Experimental group pretest scores were higher. Higher pretest global scores were negatively correlated with religious affiliation (Spearman's rho = -0.294, p = 0.000) and positively correlated with prior poverty exposure (Spearman's rho = 0.284, p = 0.000) and liberal political views (Spearman's rho = 0.444, p = 0.000). Controlling for pretest differences, posttest mean scores for the experimental group (78.73) were significantly higher (p = 0.007). The poverty simulation is an engaging learning experience providing an opportunity for students to gain sensitivity in working with this population.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing, Ashland, OR 97520, USA. noonej@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Noone
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sideras
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gubrud-Howe
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Voss
authors.forename: Launa Rae
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Mathews
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016544:Patient Simulation; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology*; D013240:Stereotyping; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult