Assertiveness Among Nursing Students in the Central Region

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the assertiveness level among nursing students in the various nursing specialty training schools in the Central Region of Ghana and determine the factors that facilitate and impedes assertiveness among the students during clinical practice training. Data was collected from a primary source which involved a structured questionnaire, and the analysis was done using SPSS version 22. A sample size of 334 nursing students was used in the study. The hypothesis tested was done using Chi-Square. The result indicates that the majority (88%, n= 294) of nursing students were moderately assertive. Furthermore, the assertiveness of males and females revealed that there is no statistically significant difference in the mean score (t=-0.60; p=0.55) on assertiveness behaviour. Moreover, the study also indicated that none of the demographic variables considered has a significant relationship with the assertiveness of the nursing students (p>0.05). Finally, the study showed that the major factor in facilitating the assertive behaviour of nursing students during clinical practical training is a supportive environment. Also, the results further indicate that the major factor impeding assertive behaviour among nursing students is a lack of information regarding personal and professional rights.