The effects of political efficacy and nursing professionalism on political participation in nursing students

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the factors influencing the political participation of nursing students who, as they become future leaders in the nursing field, will need to increase their participation in health policy decisions. Methods: Data were collected using web-based questionnaires answered by 157 nursing students between March 13 and 27, 2023. Those data were analyzed using t-test, a one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and a multiple linear regression. Results: The average score of political participation was 2.77±0.70 out of 5 points. Political participation showed positive correlations between political efficacy (r=.48, p<.001) and nursing professionalism (r=.27, p<.001). Furthermore, sex (female) and political efficacy were identified as influencing factors on political participation among nursing students, which explained it with 24.0% power. Conclusion: Providing timely nursing education is necessary for enhancing political efficacy, which could promote political participation among nursing students.