Nursing students’ attitudes towards cancer and affecting factors in Turkey: A descriptive study

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of nursing students towards cancer as well as affecting factors. Method:This descriptive study was conducted with 949 nursing students at two state universities in Turkey. The population of this study included 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students in the nursing programs in two universities in the academic year. In collecting data, “Demographic Information Form” and “Questionnaire for Measuring Attitudes Toward Cancer - Community Version” scales were used. The data were analysed by number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskall-Wallis H test and linear regression analysis. Mann Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction was used as post-hoc test. Findings: While 63.3% of the students were at the range of 17-20 years, 87.8 % of them were female and 36.8% of them were first year students. It was determined that 51.4% of the students participated in the care and treatment practices of a patient diagnosed with cancer during clinical practices. The mean score of the Questionnaire for Measuring Attitudes Toward Cancer was 3.23±0.47. In this study, a statistically significant relationship was found between the students’ year in the program and the subscale of impossibility of recovery, between gender and the scale, having an individual diagnosed with cancer among family members and his/her immediate environment with disclosure, and the dissemination of cancer diagnosis (p< 0.05). According to the stepwise method completed in the linear regression analysis, gender and informing a patient about his/her cancer diagnosis had a significant effect on the scale (p< 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, the students were found to have negative attitudes toward cancer. In this regard, healthcare professionals should organise training programs in order to change negative thoughts and attitudes of the students during educational processes.

Nursing Students’ Reflections on the Clinical Learning Environment of the Oncology Unit: A Qualitative Study

“…Moreover, students' reflections showed the effects of clinical education in this ward on professional role development and personal growth in undergraduate nursing students. The findings revealed that students had both positive and negative clinical education experiences in this ward (22). Nursing students may experience negative feelings and attitudes in caring for cancer patients.…”