Determining the Effect of Cultural Sensitivity Training on Nursing Students' Cultural Sensitivity, Cultural Awareness and Ethnocentrism Levels

Background: Cultural sensitivity and awareness are essential competencies for nursing professionals providing care to diverse patient populations. Ethnocentrism, the tendency to view one's own culture as superior, can negatively affect patient care quality. Structured educational interventions during undergraduate nursing education may enhance culturally competent care delivery.

Study Design: This is a randomized controlled experimental study conducted at Giresun University Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, during April-May 2025. Fourth-year nursing students were selected because they have accumulated both theoretical knowledge and clinical experience and have interacted with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Sample Size: Power analysis was performed using G*Power 3.1. Based on the effect size of 0.685 reported by Topcu (2019), with 95% power and 5% significance level, a minimum of 60 participants (30 per group) was required. To account for potential attrition, 71 students were enrolled (35 experimental, 36 control). Three students in the experimental group were excluded due to non-attendance, resulting in a final sample of 67 participants (32 experimental, 35 control).

Randomization: Participants were assigned to groups using simple random randomization. An independent biostatistician generated the randomization table using an online calculator (calculatorsoup.com). Groups had only one common class day per week, minimizing cross-contamination risk. Participants were verbally instructed not to share intervention content.

Intervention: The experimental group received a 4-week Cultural Sensitivity Training Program delivered in classroom settings every Monday (11:00-13:00) in two 50-minute sessions. The program content included: Week 1 - Culture concepts, cultural elements, and the relationship between society and culture; Week 2 - Health, illness, and culture relationships including cultural factors in health behaviors and nutrition; Week 3 - Cultural sensitivity, cultural awareness, and ethnocentrism concepts with strategies for reducing ethnocentrism; Week 4 - Transcultural nursing and cultural care models including Leininger's Sunrise Model, Giger and Davidhizar's Transcultural Assessment Model, and Purnell's Cultural Competence Model. Teaching methods included interactive lectures with PowerPoint presentations, group discussions, question-and-answer sessions, case studies, video demonstrations, and role-playing scenarios. The training content was validated by field experts using the DISCERN quality assessment tool.