Factors Related to Influenza Prevention Behaviors among Nursing Students in the Digital Age: A study at a nursing institution

Abstract

This survey research aimed to examine factors related to influenza prevention behaviors among nursing students in the digital age, using a case study at a nursing institution. Samples consisted of 230 nursing students. Research instruments included a personal information questionnaire, a knowledge test, a digital health information perception questionnaire, an attitude questionnaire, and an influenza prevention behavior questionnaire. The reliability coefficients of the instruments (KR-20 and Cronbach’s alpha) were 0.85, 0.93, 0.80, and 0.92, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations, and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that the participants demonstrated high levels of knowledge about influenza, digital health information perception for influenza prevention, attitudes toward influenza prevention, and influenza prevention behaviors, with percentages of 84.8%, 82.2%, 82.2%, and 93.0%, respectively. Furthermore, digital health information perception for influenza prevention (r=0.493) and attitudes toward influenza prevention (r=0.500) were positively correlated with influenza prevention behaviors among nursing students, with statistical significance (p<0.05). Therefore, enhancing digital health information perception and fostering appropriate attitudes toward influenza prevention are essential factors that should be continuously developed to promote effective disease prevention behaviors among nursing students in the digital age.