Levels of cultural and moral sensitivity among nursing students from diverse national backgrounds: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Culturally and morally sensitive care is associated with higher-quality care. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the levels of cultural and moral sensitivity among nursing students from diverse national backgrounds. The study was conducted at a foundation university in Turkey with second-year students (n = 125) during the 2023-2024 Academic Year. The Participant Information Form, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS), and Modified Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire for Student Nurses (MMSQSN) were used for the data collection. Results: Participants comprised 80.8% female participants and 41.6% international students. Total ISS and MMSQSN scores were 3.37 ± 0.46 out of 5 and 5.37 ± 0.75 out of 7, respectively. A positive and statistically significant moderate correlation (r = 0.46, p < 0.001) was found between both instruments. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that nursing students exhibit a good level of cultural and moral sensitivity. Correlation between ISS and MMSQSN is interrelated in both areas.