KNOWLEDGE PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MALE AND FEMALE STUDENT TOWARD NURSING PROFESSION IN SWAT REGION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/pakmcr1465Keywords:
Nursing profession; intermediate students; knowledge; perception; attitude; career choice; Swat; healthcare awareness.Abstract
Background: Nursing remains a vital component of healthcare delivery, yet many intermediate-level students have limited or inaccurate knowledge about the profession, its educational requirements, clinical responsibilities, career opportunities, and social value. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude of intermediate-level male and female students toward the nursing profession in the Swat region.
Methods: A descriptive survey design was used. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, knowledge of nursing, and attitudes toward nursing as a career. Out of 150 distributed questionnaires, 108 were returned, giving a response rate of 72%. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages.
Results: Most respondents were female and aged between 16 and 20 years. The findings showed an overall positive perception of nursing. A large proportion of students agreed that nursing requires high clinical skill levels (87.1%), plays an important role in healthcare (85.8%), and involves critical patient monitoring (83.4%). Many respondents also recognized that nursing requires formal professional education (82.2%) and effective collaboration with physicians (81.4%). However, relatively lower agreement was observed regarding job security (58.2%), encouragement of others to choose nursing (58.3%), and nursing as a highly respected and valuable profession (60.8%). These findings indicate that while students generally admire nursing, concerns remain regarding career benefits, social recognition, and long-term professional attractiveness.
Conclusion: The study concludes that intermediate-level students in Swat generally hold favorable views about nursing, but misconceptions and concerns still influence career interest. Awareness campaigns, career counselling, and stronger public recognition of nurses are recommended to improve students’ understanding and motivation toward nursing as a profession.
