Global social responsibility as a predictor of attitudes toward sustainable development in nursing students: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Global social responsibility is one of the basic principles to be followed in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Nurses, as healthcare providers, have important roles in providing sustainable healthcare services and achieving SDGs. Therefore, it is important to determine nursing students’ global social responsibility levels and attitudes toward SDGs.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effect of global social responsibility on nursing students’ attitudes toward sustainable development.

Method

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 318 nursing students in the nursing department of a university in Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic data form, ‘the Attitudes toward Sustainable Development Scale,’ and ‘the Global Social Responsibility Scale.’

Results

The mean total scores of the students participating in the research on the Attitude Toward Sustainable Development Scale and the Global Social Responsibility Scale were 76.94 ± 18.28 and 102.25 ± 17.16, respectively. Total scores on both the Attitude Toward Sustainable Development Scale and the Global Social Responsibility Scale were higher in those who knew the concept and goals of sustainable development. All factors of attitude toward sustainable development were significantly influenced by global social responsibility (p = <.001).

Conclusion

Positive attitudes and behaviours toward sustainable development increased with higher global social responsibility. Including global issues in nursing education programs to improve global social responsibility levels will contribute to the education of nurses who are aware of their social responsibilities and to closing the gap between nursing and SDGs.