Academic Engagement in Undergraduate Nursing Students in Swat

One of the most important factors affecting students' learning outcomes, overall growth, and academic achievement is academic engagement. Engagement is particularly important in nursing education because it has a direct impact on the development of critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and patient care abilities. Objective: To measure the level of academic engagement among nursing students in Swat. Methods: A cross-sectional study methodology was utilized, encompassing 218 nursing students from five private nursing colleges in Swat. Students enrolled in the 4th, 5th, and 8th semesters were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using the Academic Engagement Scale, which consists of 14 items covering three subscales: vigor, dedication, and absorption. The scale uses a seven-point rating system, with scores ranging from 1 (never) to 7 (always). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, including descriptive statistics and frequency tables. Results: The research indicated that 89.4% of participants were male, and 89% of the students were aged 20 to 24 years. The average academic engagement score was 70.57 out of 98, indicating a relatively high level of engagement among the students. Conclusions: It was concluded that nursing students in Swat display a considerable degree of academic engagement, achieving an average score of 70.57 out of 98. This indicates active involvement in academic activities, which is crucial for the development of key skills necessary for nursing practice.