Teaching gerontology in globalized academics: a qualitative study of Thai nursing students' views on ageing when studying abroad.
BACKGROUND
Negative views towards ageing and older adults may be a reason why nurses do not choose to work in gerontological nursing. Studying in another cultural context can challenge these views. The Objective was to explore nursing students' views on ageing and older adults before and after a gerontology course held abroad.


METHODS
A qualitative approach based on content analysis of responses to open-ended questions by 30 Thai nursing students studying a gerontology course in Sweden.


RESULTS
Three main categories: positive imprints of ageing, ageing takes its toll, and knowledge leading to action, emerged through sub-categories carrying a view of older adults as not only in need of care, but also as resourceful and competent. Professional healthcare, besides family was seen as potential caregivers in old age.


CONCLUSIONS
Studying gerontology abroad can widen views towards ageing and older adults, inspiring nurses to work in gerontological nursing.
a School of Health, Care and Social Welfare , Mälardalen University , Eskilstuna , Sweden.|b Department of Health Care Sciences , Ersta Sköndal Community College , Stigbergsgatan 30, Box 111 89, SE-100 61 Stockholm , Sweden.
Karin
K
Mattsson
a School of Health, Care and Social Welfare , Mälardalen University , Eskilstuna , Sweden.
Sirpa
S
Pietilä Rosendahl
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003479:Curriculum; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D064700:Nurses, International / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D013548:Sweden; D013785:Thailand
ageing; culture; gerontology; nurse education; qualitative; views