Association between cultural intelligence and cultural sensitivity in nursing students: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Background: Because of the multicultural composition of the Turkish population, healthcare providers encounter and serve individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Aim: To determine the relationship between cultural sensitivity and cultural intelligence levels among nursing students. Methods: This study was performed with 336 students attending the Nursing Department of a state university in Turkey. Data were collected using a sociodemographic data form, the Intercultural SensitivityScale, and the Cultural Intelligence Scale. Results: Mean age of the Nursing Department students was 20 +/- 1.76 years. Mean total scores on the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and Cultural Intelligence Scale were 90.49 +/- 12.68 (maximum 120) and 95 +/- 15.8 (maximum 140), respectively. Total scores in both the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and the Cultural Intelligence Scale were higher among those nursing students who had encounters with people with differentcultural backgrounds for any reason and those who wanted to work abroad. The nursing students' Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and Cultural Intelligence Scale total scores were positively correlated (p <.001). Conclusion: Intercultural sensitivity increased with higher cultural intelligence. Enhancing nursingeducation with programs that improve the students' cultural sensitivity and cultural intelligence willhelp them to successfully manage cultural differences and provide culturally appropriate care in theirnursing practice. (c) 2018 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.