Posters

Abstract

Objective: Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ) is one of the most widely used instruments available for measuring knowledge of aging among various groups, including health service providers. In this study, it was adapted for the purpose of gathering normative data on New Zealand populations. Comparisons with overseas results, and the effects of including a Don't Know option were investigated. Design: A New Zealand adaptation of the 25 item FAQ 1 was administered to 164 first-year and 54 third-year undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: The FAQ 1 was adapted to reflect local culture and statistical data for a New Zealand population. Both a T/F as well as a T/F/DONT KNOW (DK) version of the FAQ 1 were used in a betweensubjects design, as the T/F version measures knowledge, misconceptions, and age bias only, whereas the DK version also measures ignorance or lack of knowledge. Results: Third-year students got significantly more items correct on the T/F version than did first-year students. The relative frequencies of errors on different items were significantly correlated with those found in equivalent American and Australian samples. The mean score and percentage of errors were significantly lower with the DK version than with the T/F version for both first- and third-year students. Internal consistency was higher for the DK version. Conclusions: Results from the revised FAQ 1 for a New Zealand sample were similar to those found with equivalent overseas samples. Using the DK version of the FAQ helps to eliminate guessing and is thus likely to give a more accurate reflection of knowledge. This instrument offers an important means to measure knowledge of aging, and can be used to facilitate education for health service providers at various levels.