WORKING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES: PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF NURSING STUDENTS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE
Abstract
Rural healthcare workforce shortages remain a critical challenge in Nigeria, necessitating an understanding of nursing students' perceptions and attitudes toward rural practice to inform policy and educational interventions. This study examined the perception and attitude of nursing students toward working in rural communities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed involving 245 nursing students (200-500 levels) from the Department of Nursing Science, Benson Idahosa University. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed mixed perceptions (grand mean = 2.98) and balanced attitudes (grand mean = 2.96) toward rural practice. While students acknowledged the benefits of broad clinical experience and unique professional opportunities, they expressed significant concerns about poor infrastructure (mean = 3.03), limited healthcare facilities (mean = 3.02), professional isolation (mean = 3.01), and inadequate living conditions (mean = 3.04). Despite these concerns, 79% demonstrated high willingness to work in rural communities. Key influencing factors included career progression opportunities (mean = 3.37), good supervision and mentorship (mean = 3.33), family support (mean = 3.30), and availability of basic amenities (mean = 3.29). Effective strategies identified were financial incentives (mean = 3.43), regular rural exposure visits (mean = 3.45), community engagement (mean = 3.44), and promoting positive rural health stories (mean = 3.50). Nursing students hold cautiously positive views toward rural practice but require targeted interventions addressing infrastructural challenges, professional development, and adequate support systems to enhance their commitment to rural healthcare service. Keywords: Rural healthcare, perception, attitude, willingness, rural posting