The Factors Influencing Nursing Intentions Toward COVID-19 Patients as Perceived by Nursing Students

Abstract

Nursing students are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). The goal of this study is to thoroughly investigate nursing students' attitudes, knowledge, risk perceptions, COVID-19 prevention practices, and nursing intentions toward patients infected with the virus. 149 nursing students from two universities were given a questionnaire. Information was gathered about the respondents' general traits, nursing intentions toward COVID-19 patients, knowledge levels, attitudes, perceived risk, and preventive behaviors. SPSS software (version 26.0) was used to statistically analyze the gathered data. Stepwise multiple regression analyses, Pearson's correlation coefficient, one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests, and descriptive statistics were all used in this. Perceived risk was the most predictive factor (β = −0.38, p < 0.001), followed by attitudes (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and preventive behaviors (β = 0.17, p = 0.017), which accounted for 26% of the variance in nursing intentions, according to the analyses of the factors influencing nursing students' nursing intentions for COVID-19 patients. Nursing students' intentions toward COVID-19 patients can be increased by reducing the perceived risk of infectious diseases and fostering positive attitudes and preventive behaviors. Lastly, to improve the standard of nursing care given to patients with new infectious diseases, research on interventions and infection management education programs for nursing students are required.