Investigation of intercultural competence among nursing students: perspectives from Northern Cyprus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12923/pielxxiw-2026-0038Keywords:
awareness, nursing, cultural competence, cultural sensitivity, transcultural nursingAbstract
INVESTIGATION OF INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE AMONG NURSING STUDENTS: PERSPECTIVES FROM NORTHERN CYPRUS
Aim. This study aims to determine the intercultural effectivenesss, awareness and sensitivity of nursing students studying in Northern Cyprus.
Material and methods. This study is a cross-sectional comparative study. The sample size for the study was determined using G*Power software, and convenience sampling method was used. The sample is constituted of nursing students(n= 406) from the nursing faculty.The study was reported in accordance with the STROBE guidelines. Data were obtained through the use of Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Multicultural Awareness Scale, the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and Intercultural Effectiveness Scale. The data were analysed using SPSS 22.0 statistical programme.
Results. The participants’ average scores were respectively: 49.79±12.76 on the Intercultural Effectiveness Scale, 16.46±5.22 on the Multicultural Awareness Scale, and 51.00±13.66 on the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. African students scored higher than Turkish students on the behavioural flexibility subscale(t=2.271; p=.024).Furthermore, it was found that fourth-year students possessed a higher level of interaction respect(F=3.905; p=.021) compared to second-year students.
Conclusions. The intercultural effectiveness and sensitivity of nursing students were found below average, while multicultural awareness levels were relatively higher. The findings indicate significant differences based on nationalty, academic year, and international experiences. In this regard, integrating intercultural competence into all courses within the nursing curriculum and supporting international exchange programmes could enhance cultural competence.
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