Interpersonal Communication Skills of Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Assessing the interpersonal communication skills of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic enables us to understand their communication challenges and needs in crises and devise appropriate solutions to address them effectively. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the interpersonal communication skills of nursing students at Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 nursing students in the seventh and 8th semesters of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, during the academic year 2020 - 2021. Sampling was performed using a purposeful sampling method. Data were collected through a demographic information form and the Interpersonal Communication Skills Test, which was completed via self-report. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26, employing descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage) and inferential tests such as the Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test. Results: The majority (53.3%) of nursing students exhibited moderate interpersonal communication skills. The lowest mean score was related to assertiveness (13.72 ± 3.24), while the highest mean score was associated with the ability to receive and send messages (28.53 ± 4.62). A weak, significant inverse correlation was observed between the total score of interpersonal communication skills and age (r = -0.182, P = 0.019). Conclusions: The results indicate that most nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic possessed moderate interpersonal communication skills. The area of greatest weakness was assertiveness. These findings underscore the necessity of attention and training to enhance assertiveness skills among nursing students. Additionally, teaching nursing students interpersonal communication skills, particularly in critical conditions, is essential.