Knowledge and attitude of nursing students toward caring for children with disabilities

Studies have shown a lack of knowledge among nursing students toward children with disabilities. Further research is needed to assess nursing students’ attitudes toward children with disabilities. This study aimed to assess nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward caring for children with disabilities. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed using an online questionnaire administered to nursing students at a public university. A total of 200 nursing students participated in this study. The mean knowledge score was 8.1 ± 3.2, indicating a moderate level of knowledge. Younger students (18–23 years) had significantly higher knowledge scores than older students (p < 0.05). Attitudes toward caring for children with disabilities were highly positive, with an overall mean score of 4.06 ± 0.54. Male students reported significantly more positive attitudes than female students (p < 0.05). This study suggested associations between some demographic characteristics and nursing students’ attitudes toward and knowledge of caring for children with impairments; however, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the study’s limitations. The findings can be integrated into nursing programs, ultimately improving the quality of nursing care provided to children with disabilities.