THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATIONAL STRESS AND ATTITUDES TOWARD DISTANCE EDUCATION AMONG MIDWIFERY STUDENTS

https://doi.rg/10.71284/tjmhs.20263212

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between educational stress and attitudes toward distance education among midwifery students. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Karabük University, during the 2023-2024 academic year. The population consisted of 523 midwifery students, and the study was completed with 236 students. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Educational Stress Scale, and the Attitude Scale Toward Distance Education. Descriptive statistics, Independent Samples T test, One-Way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis were used; statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the students was 20.69±2.03 years. The mean total score of the Educational Stress Scale was 50.45±8.99, and the mean total score of the Attitude Scale Toward Distance Education was 85.69±23.32. No clear correlation was found between total educational stress and total attitude toward distance education scores. A low-level negative significant relationship was found between the self-expectation subdimension and attitudes toward distance education. Foreign students had higher mean attitude scores toward distance education than Turkish students. Conclusion: Midwifery students had moderate educational stress and moderately positive attitudes toward distance education. In practice-based programs, distance education should be supported with laboratory and clinical practice opportunities.
Keywords: Midwifery, educational stress, distance education, student, attitude