WHO STEPS UP? A STUDY ON DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF VOLUNTEER INTENT AMONG FUTURE NURSES

Healthcare volunteers have a vital role to play in public health emergencies such as pandemics and natural disasters, with nursing students comprising an important portion of the potential workforce. This study investigates how age, marital status, residence area, financial status, and education program affect nursing students' readiness to volunteer in emergency circumstances in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional analysis of 400 final-year nursing students was employed using a stratified sampling method. To determine relationships and effect sizes, data were studied using chi-square tests and Cramer's V. The findings indicate that age, monthly family income, and residence were significantly connected with students' willingness to volunteer during emergencies, whereas marital status, living area, and education course had no significant relationship. These outcomes have practical relevance for designing volunteer mobilization plans based on demographic data. The present study adds to the existing research on Indian nursing students and proposes the inclusion of demographic variables.