Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Perspective on Caring for Older Patients

Background

Global aging makes nursing students’ attitudes toward geriatric care a key public health issue affecting healthcare quality. Evaluating these attitudes is essential for educational outcomes and professional competency. This study aimed to validate the Perspective on Caring for Older Patients Questionnaire (PCOP) among Turkish nursing students.

Methods

This methodological study was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 with 155 senior nursing students from a public university in Western Türkiye and a foundation university in the Marmara region. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form and the 24-item PCOP. Content validity was evaluated using the Davis technique, while construct validity was assessed using EFA and CFA. Reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and test–retest methods.

Results

CVI values ranged from 0.75 to 1.00. EFA identified a 16-item, four-factor structure explaining 55.25% of total variance, with loadings between 0.52 and 0.79. CFA showed acceptable fit (χ²/df = 2.074, RMSEA = 0.077, CFI = 0.92, GFI = 0.93). Internal consistency was high (α = 0.87; ω = 0.86). Test–retest analysis indicated strong stability (r = 0.95, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The Turkish PCOP is a valid and reliable tool for assessing attitudes toward older patients. Its four-factor structure emphasizes integrating cultural aspects of aging into nursing education. The scale can support curriculum development, identify training needs, and contribute to monitoring educational effectiveness in public health.

Key messages

• PCOP-TR is a reliable tool to assess nursing students’ attitudes, supporting geriatric education evaluation.

• Its four-factor structure reflects cultural influences, informing curriculum development and elder care.