<b>Gerontology and geriatrics subjects: a need for undergraduate students of the health area at UFTM?</b> - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v7i4.6671

Abstract

This study described the knowledge of students on the chronological definition of elderly, geriatrics and gerontology; verified the amount of interest in studying these subjects; identified the presence of these contents in the main curriculum; and described their participation in research and university extension. Students of Nursing (84.8%), Biomedicine (71.8%), and Medicine (68.7%) took part in the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured instrument and analyzed through the distribution of frequency. In the three courses, fewer than 50% of participants knew how to define the concepts, except the course of Gerontology for Medicine (58.6%), Biomedicine (53.6%). Most students are interested in studying the theme and refer frequent contact with elderly during undergraduate course. Students of Medicine (61.7%) and Biomedicine (60.7%) pointed the absence of the discipline/content related to the theme in the curriculum, while in Nursing 53% answered affirmatively. There was little participation (8%) in research and university extension of this theme, but more than half showed interest. The answers showed gaps existent in their training. The inclusion of this content in the curriculum will provide better qualification of professionals to care for the elderly.