Analysis of the relationship between fear of coronavirus and hand hygiene beliefs and practices of surgical nurses: A descriptive and cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study aimed to analyse the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and hand hygiene beliefs and practices of surgical nurses. METHOD: This article is a descriptive correlational study. It was conducted between February and May 2021 with 306 surgical nurses working at public and private hospitals in Northern Cyprus. A personal information form, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Hand Hygiene Belief Scale and Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory were used for data collection. RESULTS: Of the participants in the study, 25.41% were 29 years old or younger and 85.15% were female. The mean scores obtained from the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Hand Hygiene Belief Scale and the Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory were 23.12 ± 8.03, 81.33 ± 7.67 and 69.15 ± 1.94, respectively. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale scores were negatively correlated with the Hand Hygiene Belief Scale scores and positively correlated with the Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory scores. CONCLUSION: Hand hygiene practices were better for nurses with higher level of COVID-19 fear. Therefore, a high level of seriousness and awareness of nurses about hand hygiene, which was achieved during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be sustained to maintain proper hand hygiene practices.

Experiences of Patients Undergoing Robot-assisted Cardiac Surgery: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: Over the last two decades, the use of robotic surgery in cardiac procedures has become increasingly prevalent. Typically, assessments of patient outcomes for robot-assisted surgery concentrate on patient morbidity and mortality, surgical complications, and length of hospital stay. However, there is limited research on patients' perceptions of robot-assisted surgery. Therefore, this study aims to determine the experiences of patients undergoing robot-assisted cardiac surgery. DESIGN: The study used a qualitative design. METHODS: The study was conducted with 12 patients who underwent robot-assisted heart surgery at an educational and research hospital. Ethical approval and written informed consent were obtained before the study. FINDINGS: 66.7% of the participants were male with an average age of 38.25 ± 16.06 years. The analysis of qualitative data identified three themes: Robotic surgery, Post-Surgical Experience, and Homecoming. CONCLUSIONS: Patients expressed satisfaction with robotic surgery and recommended it to others undergoing surgery. Based on the findings, we may suggest that nurses may conduct personalized education programs about robotic surgery and develop programs to follow up with patients at home.

The effects of flipped classroom model on knowledge, behaviour and health beliefs on testicular cancer and self-examination: a randomized controlled trial study.

This randomized controlled trial study aims to examine the flipped classroom model's effects on the knowledge and health beliefs of testicular cancer and testicular self-examination. The study was conducted on 66 students in Northern Cyprus. A descriptive information form, Champion's Health Belief Model Scale, visual analogue scale of satisfaction with the learning method, the knowledge questionnaire on testicular cancer and the testicular self-examination itself were used for data collection. The mean posttest knowledge score of the intervention group (14.44) was higher than the mean posttest knowledge score of the control group (12.65). The difference between groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean posttest scores obtained by the intervention group from the barriers and the severity subscales of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale were lower than for the control group (P < 0.05). The percentages of participants performing the testicular self-examination after receiving training were 82.4% and 59.4% for the intervention group and control group, respectively. The complete trial protocol can be accessed at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04851197). Since the flipped classroom model increased the rate of students performing testicular self-exams and the levels of knowledge and satisfaction of the students, the use of this model in different courses may be promoted.

Comparison of the Effects of Body Mechanics Education Methods on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Educating patients undergoing surgery for LDH is important to maintain the proper performance of body mechanics. PURPOSE: The study compared the effects of standard, brochure-based, and video-based education on postoperative pain, disability, and the quality of life in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar disc herniation. DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery of a training and research hospital in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: Sixty patients (n = 20 control, n = 20 video, n = 20 brochure) undergoing surgery for LDH who volunteered to participate. METHODS: The study was carried out between 15 January and 30 July 2017. The data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively using the Patients' Characteristics Form, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Physical Functioning and Bodily Pain subscales of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and the Survey of Patient Satisfaction with Clinical Education and Materials. RESULTS: All three groups were similar in terms of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Preoperative scores obtained from the ODI, SF-MPQ, and the two subscales of the SF-36 were not significantly different. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the video group (81.5 ± 24.3) and the control group (67.7 ± 18.6) in terms of the Physical Functioning subscale of the SF-36 in the postoperative period (p< .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative education on body mechanics increases the physical functioning of patients with LDH and facilitates the integration of information into their daily activities.

The effects of the instrumental reminiscence therapy based on Roy's adaptation model on adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness in older people: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This trial aimed to evaluate the effects of instrumental reminiscence therapy based on Roy's adaptation model on adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness in older people. BACKGROUND: Reminiscence therapy is one of the nursing interventions that facilitates the adaptation of older people to the process of ageing. DESIGN: The study utilized a pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial design. METHODS: This study was conducted at two nursing homes in Northern Cyprus between April and June 2021. The trial comprised 34 participants. A descriptive information form, the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form were used for data collection. RESULTS: Mean posttest scores obtained by the intervention group from the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form were significantly higher than their pretest scores (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the mean scores obtained by the intervention and control groups from the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Instrumental reminiscence therapy based on Roy's adaptation model increased the levels of adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness in older people. Therefore, instrumental reminiscence therapy might be applied, integrated with the Roy's adaptation model.

Low-fidelity simulation vs. standardized patients in prevention and management of pressure injury education.

AIM: This study aims to compare the impact of standardized patient and low-fidelity simulation methods on the success, satisfaction, and self-confidence levels of nursing students in prevention and management of pressure injury education. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized, controlled experimental study with pretest and posttest control groups. Eighty-one nursing students that met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to intervention (standardized patient; n = 40) and control (low-fidelity mannequin simulator; n = 41) groups. A descriptive characteristics form, the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale, and the Simulation Design Scale were used for data collection. Implementation skills and knowledge levels of the students were evaluated by using a skills control list and pretest and posttest measurements, respectively. RESULTS: The posttest knowledge score of the students in the standardized patient group, which was measured after the simulation education, was higher (p < 0.05). We did not find any statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the scores obtained from the Students Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale and its subscales (p > 0.05). Compared to the low-fidelity mannequin group, the standardized patient group obtained higher scores from the Simulation Design Scale and its Objectives/Information subscale (p < 0.05). Regarding the skills needed in the implementation phases of pressure injury, the standardized patient group was more successful in terms of communication skills (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: If the simulation design is well-planned, the use of a standardized patient and a low-fidelity mannequin have similar impacts on student satisfaction and self-confidence. However, the success scores and communication skills of the students in the standardized patient group were higher.

The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and the Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale: Turkish Version.

AIM: The aim of this study is to adapt the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale to the Turkish language and culture. METHODS: This psychometric test was conducted in a nursing school in Ankara, Turkey, from April to June 2014. Convenience sampling was used. The sample of this study was 190 third- and fourth-year nursing students. The items of the scale were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation-based item analysis. Cronbach's alpha, test and retest analysis were used to measure reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and correlation analysis were performed to determine validity. Principal component analysis was used to analyze factor. RESULTS: The subscales' Cronbach's alpha values were varied between .760 and .933. A positive relationship was found between tests and retests points of the subscales (P < .05). Five factors were identified in the exploratory factor analysis. There was a meaningful correlation between subscale points of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale and the Clinical Learning Environment Scale (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale was validated and a reliable measurement tool. It can be used to evaluate clinical nursing education in Turkey.

An Evaluation of the Influence of Web-Based Patient Education on the Anxiety and Life Quality of Patients Who Have Undergone Mammaplasty: a Randomized Controlled Study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of web-based education on the anxiety and quality of life of patients who were hospitalized and underwent breast surgery (modified radical mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery) with axilla lymph node dissection. The patients were divided into three groups by the block randomization method as follows: web-based education group, brochure group, and control group (total N = 75). To obtain the study data, the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer and Data Collection Form for the Disease, SF 36 Quality of Life Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Website Usability Scale were used. The learning content was patient education associated with the pre-operative and post-operative periods. The differences in the state of anxiety scores 1 day before surgery, the 2nd day after surgery, and 1 month after surgery were statistically lower in the web-based education group than in the other two groups. The mean difference in the trait anxiety scores after 1 month was higher in the control group than in the other two groups. Web-based patient education was identified as a more effective method than the brochure and control groups in terms of patients' physical and emotional well-being, vitality/fatigue, and role limitations emotional and general health perception. Web-based patient education is effective in decreasing the anxiety of patients and improving their quality of life.

Breast and cervical cancer screening for women with physical disabilities: A qualitative study of experiences and barriers.

AIM: To determine the experiences of women with physical disabilities regarding the barriers to their participation in breast and cervical cancer screening. DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive study. METHOD: Sixteen women who use wheelchairs were recruited. Data were collected via semi-structured face-to-face interviews between January - March 2017. Interviews were transcribed and data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Three main themes were uncovered: (a) Personal factors; such as lack of knowledge, fear and embarrassment, feeling anxious about the examination process and dependency on others; (b) Environmental and structural factors; and (c) expectations and suggestions of women with disabilities to enable their participation in screening. CONCLUSION: The participation rate of women with physical disabilities in screening is low. The participation of women with disabilities in breast and cervical cancer screening may increase if physical barriers to accessing healthcare services are removed, appropriate and less time-consuming examination conditions are met, and healthcare personnel are informed about the needs of persons with disabilities. IMPACT: Knowing the barriers for women with physical disabilities to participate in cancer screening can help health professionals develop new procedures to increase their participation to cancer screening. Women with physical disabilities encountered various barriers such as; lack of knowledge, fear and embarrassment, feeling anxious about the examination process and dependency on others, access to the healthcare services, environmental, physical limitations, and inadequate knowledge of healthcare professional about their disability. This study will guide healthcare professionals in developing strategies to increase the participation of women with physical disabilities in screening.

Reliability and validity of a Turkish version of the Sexual Quality of Life - Male questionnaire: a methodological study.

Background The aim of this methodological study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Sexual Quality of Life - Male (SQoL-M) questionnaire translated and adapted to measure the sexual quality of life of men in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. METHODS: To assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the SQoL-M questionnaire, in January and February 2017 we formed a sample of 128 men from Ankara, Turkey, and Girne, Northern Cyprus, to complete the questionnaire. Two weeks later, 65 of these men completed the questionnaire during a retest. Factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the questionnaire's factor structure, internal consistency and test-retest reliability analyses were used to assess reliability and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure criterion-related validity. RESULTS: Cronbach's α for the Turkish version of the SQoL-M questionnaire was 0.91, with corrected item-total score correlations ranging from 0.432 to 0.819. The test-retest correlation, calculated to compare scale scores of both groups of participants, was 0.83 (P<0.001). We also observed a statistically significant relationship between the Turkish version of the SQoL-M questionnaire and the Arizona Sexual Experience scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the SQoL-M questionnaire is a valid, reliable instrument for evaluating the sexual quality of life of men in Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

Impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyse the impact of preoperative defecation pattern on postoperative defecation pattern for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. BACKGROUND: Constipation is a neglected problem that occurs frequently after cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Descriptive study. METHOD: The study sample comprised 102 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. A Descriptive Information Form, Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, Constipation Severity Instrument, Postoperative Defecation Pattern Evaluation Form and Bristol Stool Form Scale were used for data collection and analysis. RESULTS: The Constipation Severity Instrument scores of just over one-third (37·2%) of the patients who were constipated prior to surgery were higher compared to those who were not constipated. Following cardiac surgery, 39·2% of patients developed constipation and 80% of these patients were constipated prior to cardiac surgery. The findings indicate a significantly high relationship between preoperative and postoperative defecation pattern (r = 0·71, p < 0·001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative defecation pattern is a determining factor for the development of postoperative constipation for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: During the preoperative period, clinical nurses may evaluate the patients' defecation patterns using valid and reliable scales and follow the defecation of the patients, especially patients with defecation problems, during the postoperative period.

Development of post hip replacement comfort scale.

AIM: To develop and psychometrically test the Post Hip Replacement Comfort Scale (PHRCS). BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the patient comfort after hip replacement surgery is highly important in order to increase the quality of patient care. The review of the relevant literature shows that a scale that specifically measures the patient comfort after hip replacement surgery is absent. DESIGN: Methodological design was used. This study included the development of the scale and tested the psychometric properties of the scale. METHOD: 180 patients who had been hip replacement surgery recruited from three education and research hospitals' orthopedic and trauma departments from January 2014 to December 2015. The study was conducted in three phases. In phase 1, scale items were developed based on the literature review and other comfort scales. In phase 2, the trial was applied with data collection forms. Phase 3 was conducted to evaluate the reliability and validity of the finalized inventory using item analysis. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient value is 0.758. Test-retest results found positive and meaningful correlation between the scores of the scales, indicating the reliability of the scale. Scope, surface, criterion and construct validity analysis confirmed the validity of the scale. There were 26 items in the final scale. In our study, the average patient comfort score was 3.64±0.43 (from 1 to 5). CONCLUSION: The PHRCS is recommended for evaluating patients' comfort after hip replacement surgery and examining the effects of nursing interventions on patients' comfort.

Is there a difference between the STOP-BANG and the Berlin Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome questionnaires for determining respiratory complications during the perioperative period?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of the STOP-BANG and Berlin Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome questionnaires for evaluating potential respiratory complications during the perioperative period. BACKGROUND: Questionnaires that are used to determine obstructive sleep apnoea risk are not widely used for surgical patients. Among the questionnaires that are commonly used for obstructive sleep apnoea screening, it remains unclear whether the STOP-BANG or Berlin Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome questionnaire is more effective in terms of ease of use, usage period and diagnosis of surgical patients with obstructive sleep apnoea risk. DESIGN: This study was designed as a descriptive and prospective study. METHODS: The study included 126 patients over 18 years of age who were American Society of Anesthesiologists classification class I-II and underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To determine the potential obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome risk, the STOP-BANG and Berlin questionnaires were administered. Respiratory complications were then observed during the perioperative period. RESULTS: During intubation and extubation, we observed statistically significant differences in difficult intubation, difficult facemask ventilation and desaturation frequency between the high- and low-risk groups for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, as determined by the STOP-BANG questionnaire. During extubation, statistically significant differences in coughing, breath-holding and desaturation frequency were observed between the high-risk and low-risk groups, according to the Berlin questionnaire. In the post-anaesthesia care unit, both questionnaires found statistically significant differences between the low- and high-risk groups. CONCLUSION: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome screening questionnaires administered during the preoperative period are useful for predicting perioperative respiratory complications. It may be most useful to administer the STOP-BANG questionnaire as the initial evaluation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Questionnaires may be used to determine the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, which could impact the anaesthetisation of surgical patients. Questionnaires for determining the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome should be used regularly for surgical patients, and these questionnaires should be used to improve clinical protocols for anaesthesia and postanaesthesia care.

The effects of different types of hair shaving on the body image and surgical site infection in elective cranial surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of different types of shaving on body image and surgical site infection in elective cranial surgery. BACKGROUND: Hair shaving before cranial surgery is commonly performed in many countries. However, the impact of shaving on the patients' body image and surgical site infection is not, as yet, well investigated. DESIGN: A randomised-controlled design was used in this study. METHODS: The sample comprised 200 patients who underwent elective cranial surgery between March 2013-August 2014. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were applied for the preoperative preparation of patients and for the follow-up of surgical site infection. Wound swab cultures were obtained four times from all patients. The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale was used to assess changes in the body image of patients. FINDINGS: The rate of surgical site infection was 1% for each group and for all patients. There was no difference between the groups of surgical site infection. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus epidermidis were mostly isolated in the swab cultures. The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale score decreased in patients who underwent strip shaving and increased in patients with regional shaving. CONCLUSION: There is no difference between strip shaving and regional shaving in the development of surgical site infection after cranial surgery. In addition, regional hair shaving negatively affects the patients' body image. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Findings of this study provide useful evidence-based information for healthcare professionals. The development and implementation of effective interventions result in the prevention of surgical site infection and improvement of the patients' body image in elective cranial surgery.

The Effectiveness of Neck Stretching Exercises Following Total Thyroidectomy on Reducing Neck Pain and Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although there are a limited number of studies showing effects of neck stretching exercises following a thyroidectomy in reducing neck discomfort symptoms, no study has specifically dealt with and examined the effect of neck stretching exercises on neck pain and disability. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of neck stretching exercises, following a total thyroidectomy, on reducing neck pain and disability. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The participants were randomly assigned either to the stretching exercise group (n = 40) or to the control group (n = 40). The stretching exercise group learned the neck stretching exercises immediately after total thyroidectomy. The effects of the stretching exercises on the participants' neck pain and disability, neck sensitivity, pain with neck movements as well as on wound healing, were evaluated at the end of the first week and at 1 month following surgery. RESULTS: When comparing neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) scores, neck sensitivity and pain with neck movement before thyroidectomy, after 1 week and after 1-month time-points, it was found that patients experienced significantly less pain and disability in the stretching exercise group than the control group (p < .001). At the end of the first week, the NPDS scores (mean [SD] = 8.82 [12.23] vs. 30.28 [12.09]), neck sensitivity scores (median [IR] = 0 [.75] vs. 2.00 [4.0]) and pain levels with neck movements (median [IR] = 0 [2.0] vs. 3.5 [5.75]) of the stretching exercise group were significantly lower than those of the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the scores at the 1-month evaluation (p > .05). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Neck stretching exercises done immediately after a total thyroidectomy reduce short-term neck pain and disability symptoms.

Experiences of Turkish undergraduate nursing students in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practicum provides many opportunities for nursing students to learn more about their subject and develop essential nursing skills. In contrast, nursing students often have difficulties during their clinical practicum. AIM: This study aims to describe the clinical experiences of undergraduate nursing students in the intensive care unit. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative approach was used in this study. The study was performed at a military medical academy between 1 March and 30 April 2008. The study was conducted with 15 fourth-year baccalaureate nursing students. Data were obtained through open-ended and in-depth audio-taped interviews, which lasted approximately 35-45 min. FINDINGS: Themes emerged from the participants' descriptions of their experiences in the intensive care unit: anxiety, fear of doing harm, emotional connection and empathy, improving self-confidence, perceived responsibility for patients, prioritizing care of patients, preserving dignity, coping with confronting situations, and communication in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: The views and expectations of nursing students regarding intensive care practice are important for the organization of the nursing education environment. The nursing curriculum must be revised and developed according to the needs of students.

Validity and reliability of Turkish version of family satisfaction in the intensive care unit.

To evaluate the quality of care that is provided in intensive care units, needs and satisfaction of the patient relatives must also be considered. The aim of the study is to test the Turkish version of the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU-24) Survey, which was developed by Heyland et al. This study was planned and applied as a methodological study. Survey was conducted in the intensive care units of a military education and research hospital and a medical faculty hospital, department of anaesthesia and reanimation in the capital city Ankara of Turkey. Sample of the survey was composed of 120 participants. Cronbach's alpha value for the FS-ICU-24 general internal consistency in this study was calculated as 0.95 for total scale. In this study, the Turkish version of the FS-ICU-24 was found to be reliable and valid with Turkish population.

Psychometric properties of a Turkish version of the social activities scale for community-dwelling older people requiring support.

BACKGROUND: Social activities decelerate the deterioration of mental capacity in older people and improve their physical and psychosocial health. Valid and reliable measurement tools are needed to determine the social activity status of older people and plan health services to protect their mental health. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to adapt the Social Activities Scale for Community-Dwelling Older People Requiring Support (SASOS) into Turkish. METHODS: This methodological study was conducted in Northern Cyprus between January and June 2022. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 155 community-dwelling older people who needed support. Expert opinion, item-content validity index, and scale-content validity index were used to evaluate content validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability tests were used to evaluate reliability. Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate construct validity. The Loneliness Scale for Elderly was used to evaluate concurrent validity. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha of SASOS was 0.90. Additionally, correlation coefficients of all items ranged between 0.61 and 0.79. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure. 'Interactions with friends and neighbors' was the factor that explained the highest variance (46%). There was a negative, weak, and statistically significant relationship between the scores obtained from the social loneliness subscale of LSE and all three subscales of SASOS. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of SASOS is a valid, reliable instrument to evaluate social activities in community-dwelling older people who needed support. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The SASOS has been identified as a valuable measure for assessing the social support needs of older individuals. It serves as a guide for both planning and evaluating interventions to enhance their health.

Disaster Preparedness of Nursing Students in Northern Cyprus: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate disaster preparedness of undergraduate nursing students. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 302 voluntary nursing students from a university in Northern Cyprus. Data were collected through an online survey using Google Forms, which included a descriptive information form and the General Disaster Preparedness Belief Scale (GDPBS). RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 20.64 ± 2.02 years. Among the participants, 41.7% had prior experience with disasters, and 77.2% expressed a need for disaster education. The average GDPBS total score was high, and the mean score of the sub-dimensions was moderate. Nursing students who expressed a need for disaster education had higher scores on the severity and self-efficacy subscales of the GDPBS (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The level of disease preparedness was moderate in nursing students in Northern Cyprus. Therefore, education based on the health belief model, which assumes that positive health behaviors are affected by knowledge and attitudes, may be useful to improve disaster preparedness in nursing students.