“Breaking barriers: The power of self-efficacy in combating occupational stigma and advancing gender equity in nursing education”

Abstract

Background

Nursing students may encounter occupational stigma due to prevailing stereotypes and perceptions of nursing as a gendered and undervalued profession. Occupational stigma in nursing can contribute to decreased motivation, limited job satisfaction, and hindered professional growth, potentially impacting students' career choices and commitment to the profession.

Aim

This research explores how self-efficacy can mitigate the effects of occupational stigma among nursing students and promote gender equity by encouraging both male and female students to pursue nursing confidently and with a sense of professional pride.

Method

This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive research design on 560 nursing students, which was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, XXX University, XXX. Three validated instruments were used: The Nurse Occupational Stigma Scale, The Gender Equity Scale in Nursing Education, and The Student Self-Efficacy Scale.

Multiple linear regression was conducted to identify predictors of occupational stigma and gender equity, with AMOS software used for mediation analysis.

Findings

Gender equity was negatively correlated with nurse occupational stigma (r = −0.124, p = 0.003), a positive correlation was found between gender equity and student self-efficacy (r = 0.098, p = 0.020), and nurse occupational stigma had a strong positive correlation with student self-efficacy (r = 0.345, p < 0.001). The structural equation model (SEM) suggests that self-efficacy contributes directly to perceptions of occupational stigma without mediation by gender equity. Significant predictors of gender equity included age (p < 0.001) and gender, with females reporting lower gender equity (p < 0.001), income level (p = 0.029), academic level (third level, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (p = 0.002). For nurse occupational stigma, predictors included age (p = 0.023), income (p = 0.002), academic level (p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001).

Recommendation

The findings of this study highlight the importance of fostering inclusive and equitable environments in nursing education and practice settings. Promoting gender equity may help reduce occupational stigma, thereby improving job satisfaction and retention rates within the nursing profession.