The effects of ethnocentrism and some features on intercultural sensitivity in nursing students: A comparative descriptive study

Background: Nurses should provide culturally sensitive care by being aware of the cultural characteristics, values and beliefs of the individuals for whom they are responsible. Nursing education must provide a foundation for the development of intercultural sensitivity. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ethnocentric attitudes and some characteristics of nursing students on their intercultural sensitivities. Methods: A comparative descriptive design was used to collect data from nursing students in two universities located in the west and the east of Turkey (N = 535; students from the east: n = 202; students from west: n = 333) Data were collected using the socio-demographic characteristics form, the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) and the Ethnocentrism Scale. Results: When both students from east and west in Turkey were compared in terms of ISS total scores, a statistically significant difference was found between the students in terms of pervious place of residence, taking the intercultural nursing course, acquaintance with people of other cultures, having experience abroad and speaking another language (p < .05). When both students from east and west were compared in terms of the ethnocentrism scale total scores, a statistically significant difference was found between the students in terms of the gender, the year of the education, previous place of residence, taking the intercultural nursing course, acquaintance with people of other cultures, having experience abroad and having friends from different countries (p < .05). According to the linear regression analysis, the intercultural sensitivity of students was found to be significantly affected by ethnocentrism. Conclusions: Intercultural nursing courses and concepts such as intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism should be given a more comprehensive place in the curriculum to increase intercultural sensitivities and reduce ethnocentrism.