Attitudes Toward the Nursing Profession Among First- and Final-Year Nursing Students at Kabul University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Nursing students' attitudes affect learning, professional performance, and adaptation to clinical practice. This study assessed and compared the attitudes of first- and final-year nursing students at the School of Nursing, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Abu Ali Ibn Sina, Afghanistan. A cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study was conducted among 128 students. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with chi-square tests for categorical associations. Overall, 85% of students reported positive attitudes toward nursing. No significant associations were found between overall attitudes and academic year or sex. However, Final-year students reported significantly less favourable attitudes regarding workload, safety, salary, community respect, student comfort, and patient care satisfaction. Institutional measures are recommended to sustain positive attitudes and strengthen professional commitment.