Cultural awareness (CA) is a fundamental component of cultural competence in nursing, essential for providing effective care in multicultural settings. This study aimed to assess the level of CA among nursing students in Poland and to identify correlations between CA and selected educational factors.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 among 1,456 students from nine Polish medical universities using the Cultural Awareness Scale (CAS). Statistical analysis included analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests.
Results:
The average CAS score was 175.5 (SD = 26.69). Participation in intercultural communication training, prior discussion of cultural diversity, belief in the teachability of cultural competence, and support for integrating such training into curricula (p < .001, respectively) were significantly associated with higher CA scores.
Discussion:
Systematic, reflective intercultural education significantly enhances CA. Integrating such training into nursing curricula is crucial for preparing students for multicultural practice.
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