Influencing Factors on the Intention to Engage in the Long-term Care Industry among College Students with Nursing, Long-term Care and Public Health Majors in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Abstract

　The high speed of the aging population has gradually increased the need of long-term care industry. However, the global threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may affect the intentions of students in relevant disciplines to enter the long-term care industry. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence students in health-related disciplines, such as nursing, long-term care, and public health, to enter the long-term care industry. It can contribute to the future supply of talent in the field. This was a cross-sectional online survey and 153 participants completed the survey. One-way ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple hierarchical regression analysis were performed using SPSS 23.0 software. The results of multiple hierarchical model revealed that the significant factors included “male” (β = -0.142, p < .05), “attitudes toward the engaging in the long-term care industry” (β = 0.481, p < .001), “subjective norms” (β = 0.225, p < .001) and “perceived behavioral control” (β = 0.214, p < .01). The findings support that holding a positive attitude towards entering the long-term care industry and increasing support and self-efficacy from important others will enhance the intention to enter the long-term care industry. It is recommended that educational institutions in health-related disciplines promote local industry-academia collaboration, increase opportunities for visits, internships, and practical training in long-term care units, and establish geriatric and long-term care-related general education courses or credit programs to strengthen students' identification with the local long-term care industry, eliminate stereotypes or prejudices, and contribute to the development of the long-term care workforce.