Environmental Awareness and sensitivity of nursing students

Abstract

Objective: Currently, environmental problems have reached alarming levels, constituting a serious problem for public health. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the environmental awareness and sensitivity of nursing students. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 286 nursing students of a foundation university in Northern Cyprus in the fall term of the 2016?2017 academic year. Data were collected by using the personal information form and Environmental Awareness and Sensitivity Scale. Participants had moderate levels of environmental awareness and sensitivity. Nonsmoking nursing students had higher environmental awareness. Besides, participants who attended lectures on the environment, stayed in dormitories, participated in the activities of environmental organizations, and warned people who polluted the environment had higher environmental awareness and sensitivity. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the number of lectures and social activities on the environment could be increased in order to promote the environmental awareness of nursing students.