Gerascophobia and its Related Factors in Medical Students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Gerascophobia is one of the factors affecting people’s quality of life. The present study sought to examine gerascophobia and its related factors in medical students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were medical students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2023, who were selected using non-probability quota sampling. The data were collected using Lasher and Faulkender’s Anxiety about Aging Scale (AAS) and analyzed with SPSS-26 software. Results: The participants in this study were 230 medical students. The participants’ average age was 22.95±2.38 years, and 61.3% of the students were female. The mean scores for gerascophobia and the subscales of fear of old people, psychological concerns, physical appearance, and fear of loss were 57.66, 14.15, 13.20, 14.61, and 16.51, respectively. The linear regression analysis showed that the average fear of aging was higher in female students (P=0.019) and the students who did not have job experience and the experience of caring for older adults (P=0.007). Conclusion: In line with findings from the present study, it can be argued that to reduce gerascophobia and create a more positive attitude toward aging in medical students, suitable facilities should be provided to create more contact between medical students, especially female students, and older adults during their studies.