Analysis of Disaster Knowledge, Disaster Nursing Competency, and Educational Needs Among Nursing Students and Directions for Developing a Disaster Nursing Education Program

Objectives This study aimed to examine the relationships among nursing students' disaster knowledge, disaster nursing competency, and disaster nursing education needs. It also sought to identify factors influencing disaster nursing competency to provide foundational data for developing a disaster nursing education program. Methods This descriptive correlational study was conducted with nursing students from two universities in the G region. Data were collected through an online survey from March 25 to April 14, 2023. The survey was administered to assess general characteristics, disaster knowledge, disaster nursing education needs, and disaster nursing competency. A total of 226 responses were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Results The participants' mean score for disaster knowledge was 12.64±4.7, for disaster nursing competency was 40.38±11.41, and for disaster nursing education needs was 30.65±4.45. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between disaster knowledge and disaster nursing competency (r=0.345, p<.001). In the hierarchical regression analysis, the first model, which included age and prior disaster education experience, was statistically significant (F=7.415, p<.001) with an explanatory power of 5.4%. The second model, which additionally included disaster knowledge and disaster nursing education needs, was also significant (F=10.927, p<.001) and showed an increased explanatory power of 15.0%. Among the variables, disaster knowledge was found to have a significant positive effect on disaster nursing competency (β= .321, p<.001). Conclusions This study confirmed the positive influence of disaster knowledge on disaster nursing competency among nursing students and identified their high demand for disaster nursing education. Therefore, it is expected that strengthening disaster knowledge through tailored education programs will enhance the disaster nursing competency of nursing students.