Examining the correlation between intercultural sensitivity and individualized care perception of nursing students

Abstract

Background: Intercultural sensitivity is accepting the existence of cultural differences and similarities between individuals without attributing a value to them. In order to provide individualized nursing care, it is required to train nurses who can respond to cultural needs of society, have cultural knowledge and skills regarding society and show a high intercultural sensitivity.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between intercultural sensitivity and individualized care perception of nursing students, who will become a member of professional health discipline.

Method: The population of this study consisted of nursing students receiving education in a state university in Ağrı. The sample of the study consisted of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students who agreed to participate in the study and were not absent during the data collection process. In the study, the "Student Information Form", "Intercultural Sensitivity Scale" and "Individualized Care Scale" were used. The study was completed with 90 individuals. Statistical analyses were performed in the SPSS program using arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and correlation analysis.

Results: Nursing students' Intercultural Sensitivity Scale total mean score was 89.10 ± 10.42 and their Individualized Care Scale mean score was 3.97 ± 0.59. It was determined that there was a weak, positive and statistically significant correlation between total mean score of Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and total mean score of Individualized Care Perception Scale among the nursing students (r = 0.274, p = 0.009).

Conclusion: It was determined that the correlation between nursing students' intercultural sensitivity and individualized care perception was weak, positive and statistically significant. It was found that as nursing students' intercultural sensitivity level increased, their individualized care perception also increased.

Keywords: Individualized care; Intercultural sensitivity; Nursing students; Transcultural nursing.