Nurses' attitudes and emotions toward caring for adults with intellectual disabilities: Results of a cross-sectional, correlational-predictive research study

Abstract

Background: Negative healthcare provider attitudes may contribute to healthcare disparities in adults with intellectual disabilities. This study identified predictors of nurses' attitudes and emotions toward caring for adults with intellectual disabilities in the United States. Method: A convenience sample of 248 nurses was used to collect nurses' attitudes and emotions toward caring for adults with intellectual disabilities (Adapted Caring for Adults with Disabilities Questionnaire) and quality of life beliefs (Prognostic Beliefs Scale). Results: Overall, nurses held less positive attitudes toward caring for an adult with intellectual disability versus a physical disability. Intellectual disability nurses held more positive attitudes and emotions and less negative emotions than non-intellectual disability nurses. Quality of life beliefs predicted nurse attitude, positive emotions and negative emotions. The number of adults with intellectual disabilities cared for during the nurse's career predicted negative emotions. Conclusions: Future interventions should focus on improving nurses' understanding of the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities.