RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ageism is the negative perception towards others based on age. The aim of this research was to analyze the levels of ageism and its association with sexism and other factors in university students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study among the students of the University of Granada. The data was collected through an online survey. Information on sociodemographic and academic variables was collected together with the Negative Stereotypes Questionnaire towards Old Age (CENVE), the Ambivalent Sexism Scale (ASI), the Brief Version of the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFPTSQ), the Anxiety Scale for Aging (AE) and the Contact with the Elderly Scale (CPM). Ageism levels were determined and associations with other variables were analyzed. A logistic regression model explored ageism' associated factors. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-three students participated. Most had low or very low levels of ageism (83.3%). The most ageist students showed higher hostile sexism (OR=1.07; p<.01) and higher aging anxiety (OR=1.10; p<.05) than students with high scores in ageism. Graduate students showed protector OR for ageism when compared to postgraduate students (OR=.31; p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher hostile sexism and aging anxiety are associated with higher ageism in students from the University of Granada. Universities must include in their study plans knowledge about this problem and develop programs aimed at avoiding discrimination in the elderly.