FACTORS AFFECTING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS AND PATIENTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS, HYDERABAD

Abstract

Background: Effective communication is essential for therapeutic relationships and quality patient care in nursing practice. Objective: To explore undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of factors affecting effective communication with patients at tertiary care hospitals, Hyderabad, Sindh. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 151 undergraduate nursing students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire via Google Forms. Reliability was high (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.898). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, applying descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression.

Results: Communication barriers were reported at a moderate to high level (mean = 72.82 ± 12.37). Patient-related barriers were the most significant (mean = 40.72 ± 7.22), followed by student-related and environmental factors. Major issues included patient anxiety, pain, negative attitudes, and lack of awareness of students’ roles. Socio-cultural differences also contributed. No significant association was found between demographic variables and communication barriers

(p = 0.784, R² = 0.012).

Conclusion: Patient-related factors were identified as the primary barriers. Strengthening communication training, promoting cultural sensitivity, and implementing supportive hospital policies are recommended to improve communication skills and patient care outcomes.