Abstract
Background: Negative healthcare provider attitudes may contribute to healthcare disparities in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). This study identified predictors of nurses' attitudes and emotions toward caring for adults with ID in the United States. Method: Nurses' attitudes and emotions toward caring for adults with ID (Adapted Caring for Adults with Disabilities Questionnaire) and quality of life beliefs (Prognostic Beliefs Scale) were collected online from 248 licensed nurses (38% ID specialization). Results: Overall, nurses held less positive attitudes toward caring for an adult with ID versus a physical disability (t=9.35, p<.01). ID nurses held more positive attitudes (t= 5.47, p<.01) and emotions (t=4.65, p<.01), and less negative emotions (t=-5.067, p<.01) than non-ID nurses. Quality of life beliefs predicted nurse attitude (β=.311, p<.01), positive emotions (β=.174, p<.01) and negative emotions (β= -.191, p<.01). The number of adults with ID cared for during the nurse's career predicted nurse negative emotions (β= -.151, p<.05). Conclusions: Future interventions should focus on improving nurses' understanding of the quality of life of adults with ID.