Assessment of Digital Capabilities among Nursing Students in UAE: A Quantitative Study

Background: Digitalization is emerging prominently in all educational environments across the globe. Accordingly, it is crucial to assess the level of digital capabilities among nursing students to be able to provide those students with the necessary support to succeed in the future of digital health. Therefore, we argue that digital literacy cannot be ignored and should be embedded in undergraduate nursing curriculum to empower students to be fully engaged in the future of digital health. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the level of digital capabilities among nursing students. Methods: The study was a quantitative study with cross-sectional design. 200 students were recruited using a systematic random proportionate sampling technique at Nursing Colleges, United Arab Emirates. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire Digital Capabilities and Self-efficacy. Univariate analysis, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis H were used for data analysis according to the type and distribution of data. Results: Superior results are seen for digital learning and development, in which participating nursing students seem competent in everyday digital literacy such as accessing learning resources. The students are competent in using the technology to complete assignments and conduct online tests, but they scored low on using the tools to search the databases effectively and have to skills to take advantage. There was no significant difference between students’ level of study, parents’ education, the type of devices used by the students, and their digital literacy skills. This present study reports that the digital literacy skills among nursing students in urban and rural regions differ significantly. Conclusion: Overall, students did not report any problem being involved in a digital educational environment because they are already engaged with technologies in their personal life