Reducing Ageism in an Undergraduate Nutrition Class Using an Online Educational Intervention

OBJECTIVES: Ageism is prevalent in healthcare and can lead to negative health outcomes. The aim of our study is to determine the effectiveness of an online educational intervention to reduce ageism among students in an undergraduate nutrition class. METHODS: Volunteers in an entry-level nutrition course were randomized into an intervention (INT) (n = 30) and a control (CON) (n = 29) group. Participants were asked to watch 6 videos (∼20 minutes total) and describe what they learned. The INT group learned about ageism and myths on aging, while the CON group learned about cultural competency. Ageism was measured at pre (T1), immediate-post (T2), and 2-weeks post-intervention (T3) using the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA), the Ambivalent Ageism Scale (AAS) which provides a total score, benevolent (AAS-Ben) and hostile (AAS-hostile) ageism sub scores, and the age Implicit Association Test (IAT) (D-score). Participants were categorized based on D score as higher (≤.15) or lower preference for older adults (>.15). Also, perceived old age cutoff was asked. Mixed model analysis with repeated measures and binomial logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: 93% and 63% were female and non-Hispanic white, respectively. Group-by-time interactions for ageism indicators were not statistically significant (p > .05). Significant changes in estimated mean and standard error with simple effect analyses in the INT group includes decrease of FSA from 55.5 (1.4) at T1 to 49.9 (1.9) and 50.0 (2.0) at T2 and T3 respectively; decrease of total AAS from 41.2 (1.6) at T1 to 35.5 (1.8) and 35.7 (1.8) at T2 and T3, respectively; and decrease of AAS Hostile from 12.2 (0.6) at T1 to 9.5 (0.7) and 9.0 (0.7) at T2 and T3, respectively. Perceived old age cutoff increased from 59 (2) to 71 (2) and 72 (2) years by T2 and T3, respectively. Thus, ageism was significantly reduced up to 2 weeks only in the INT group after the educational intervention (p < .05). No significant changes in IAT. Qualitative data analysis of written answers provided by INT group also supported these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our study suggest that an online educational intervention may be useful in reducing ageism among undergraduate nutrition and dietetic students. FUNDING SOURCES: University of Mississippi Startup funds; School of Applied Sciences - Dean's office funds.