Integrating Sustainability and Climate Change into Nursing Education: Impact on Students' Knowledge and Practices

Background: Climate change and sustainability are widely acknowledged as the two foremost global health challenges that are expected to significantly affect individuals' health over the next decade. It is essential to both alleviate and adjust to the effects of climate change on the healthcare industry. Aim: To evaluate the impact of integrating sustainability and climate change into nursing education on students' knowledge and practices. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design involving a one group was employed to fulfill the objectives of this study. Setting: This study was conducted in faculty of nursing at Sohag University Hospitals. Sample: A convenience sample consisting of 800 nursing students in first academic year participated in this research. Three instruments were utilized for data collection: Tool (I): Personal data of nursing students, Tool (II): Knowledge of nursing students regarding climate change, and Tool (III): Nursing students' understanding of green management and sustainability practices. Results: Findings from the study indicated that 90% of nursing students exhibited unsatisfactory knowledge prior to the implementation of integrating sustainability and climate change into nursing education , whereas 95% demonstrated satisfactory knowledge following integrating sustainability and climate change into nursing education , with a highly significant difference at a p-value of <0.01**. Furthermore, 85% of nursing students showed unsatisfactory practices before integrating sustainability and climate change into nursing education , while 90% displayed satisfactory practices after the integrating sustainability and climate change into nursing education , also with a highly significant difference at a p-value of <0.01**. Conclusion: Integrating sustainability and climate change into nursing education has a positive effect on students' knowledge and practices Recommendations: It is advisable to encourage nursing students to engage in ongoing education programs related to sustainability and climate change.