Nursing Students' Attitudes towards Immigrant Individuals and Their Cultural Intelligence: A Comparative Study

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 6, 243 - 249, 15.11.2025

Aytuğ Türk , Cemre Gülten Çelik

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the impact of clinical practice in migrant health centers on nursing students' attitudes towards migrants and their cultural intelligence. The research was conducted using a causal-comparative design with 52 students who practiced in migrant health centers and 52 students who practiced in different units during the 2022-2023 academic year. Data were collected using the Negative Attitudes Towards Migrants Scale, the Cultural Intelligence Scale, and a socio-demographic information form. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, with normality and variance assumptions checked; t-tests or ANOVA were applied as appropriate. Students who practiced in migrant health centers scored significantly lower on the Negative Attitudes towards Migrants Scale (P=0.023) and higher on the Cultural Intelligence Scale total and sub-dimensions (cognitive, motivational, and behavioral) (P=0.002) compared to those practicing in other units. However, no significant difference was found in the meta-cognitive sub-dimension (P=0.142). While socio-demographic variables did not generally show a significant effect, prior experience with providing care to migrants and receiving cultural care training positively influenced attitudes and cultural intelligence. The study demonstrates that clinical practice in migrant health centers improves nursing students' attitudes towards migrants and enhances their cultural intelligence. These findings highlight the importance of integrating clinical practice and cultural training into nursing education.

Keywords

Nursing students , Cultural intelligence , Migrant health , Attitudes , Clinical practice , Cultural competence

Ethical Statement

Before the study, approval was obtained from the Ege University Medical Research Ethics Committee (Approval date: December 14, 2023, prodocol code: 23-12T/41) and written permission was received from the institution where the study was conducted. Verbal consent was obtained from all participants included in the study. In addition, permission to use the relevant measurement tools (NATMS and CQS) was obtained from the respective authors. This study was conducted in compliance with research and publication ethics principles. The research was supported within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 2209-A Program, and the project budget was funded by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye).

Supporting Institution

The research was supported within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 2209-A Program, and the project budget was funded by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye).

Project Number

TUBİTAK 2209-1919B012224371

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