Determining the Relationship Between Student Nurses' Compassion Levels and Their Attitudes Towards Disabled Individuals: Descriptive and Correlational Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the compassion levels of nursing students and their attitudes towards disabled people. Material and Methods: This study was con- ducted in the descriptive-correlational design type. The sample of the study comprised 339 students, who studied at the Department of Nurs- ing of a foundation university. Descriptive information form, Compas- sion Scale (CS), and Multidimensional Attitudes Scale towards Persons with Disabilities (MAS) were used for data collection. Results: The mean CS and MAS scores were 95.98±15.47 and 113.11±14.7, re- spectively. There was a positive correlation between the scores obtained from MAS, CS and the kindness, common humanity and mindfulness dimensions of CS. We also found a negative correlation between the scores obtained from MAS and the indifference, separation and disen- gagement dimensions of CS (p<0.01). Multiple regression model anal- ysis showed that compassion level was the only factor influencing attitudes towards disabled people. Conclusion: The nursing students had a high level of compassion and positive attitudes towards disabled people. As the level of compassion increased, they had more positive attitudes. Compassion level was the only factor affecting the attitudes towards disabled people. At this point, during nursing education, it is recommended that students plan training topics related to compassion, as well as training on approach and communication, according to the disability level of disabled individuals. Besides, scenario-based simu- lation may be used to contribute to compassion levels and positive at- titudes of nursing students towards disabled people.