Examination of nursing students’ attitudes towards environmental problems

Purpose: The study was directed towards examination of nursing students’ attitudes towards environmental problems. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was performed from June to August 2014 with 296 first-fourth year nursing students from one nursing faculty located in Izmir. The data of the study were collected through conducting face-to-face interviews by using Socio-Demographic Characteristics Form and Environmental Problems Attitude Scale. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Cronbach alpha, t-test and Mann Whitney U test were used in the data analysis. Results: Mean age of the students was 21.16±2.28 years. The fourth year students had higher scores for their attitudes to environmental problems. Female students, students taking a course about the environment before university, students becoming a member of environmental organizations had significantly higher scores for their attitudes to environmental issues. Conclusions: This study suggests that attitudes of students towards environmental problems can improve only after they are offered an effective education. Therefore, Syllabi should be designed to include environmental problems to increase knowledge and awareness of students and to acquire a positive attitude.