Nursing students’ perceived effectiveness of ethics education: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine nursing students' perceived effectiveness of ethics education (measured by the Students' Perceived Effectiveness of Ethics Education Scale) and to identify factors associated with perceived effectiveness scores. METHODS: The study included 1228 nursing students enrolled at Atatürk University. A sample of 235 students who met the inclusion criteria agreed to participate. Data were collected online using the "Sociodemographic Form" and the "Students' Perceived Effectiveness of Ethics Education Scale." RESULTS: The mean total score on the Students' Perceived Effectiveness of Ethics Education Scale was 64.98 ± 10.43 (range 21-84), above the theoretical midpoint (52.5). In multivariable linear regression, perceived course efficiency, satisfaction with nursing, and family structure were associated with perceived effectiveness scores (p < 0.05). Because normative cut-offs for this instrument are limited, scores were interpreted relative to the theoretical midpoint. CONCLUSION: Nursing students reported perceived effectiveness of ethics education above the theoretical midpoint. Perceived course efficiency, satisfaction with nursing, and family structure were associated with higher perceived effectiveness scores. These findings reflect self-reported perceptions in a cross-sectional design and should not be interpreted as evidence of objective ethical competence or causal effects.