Attitude survey of nursing students in Madagascar and Japan

Abstract

Background: Few investigations have focused on nursing students from a developing country in relation to a developed country like Japan. Objective: This study explored differences between the nursing students in Madagascar and Japan. Subjects and Methods: This is a prospective analytical study of 63 nursing students—32 Japanese and 31 Malagasy. Questionnaires were distributed to students in Madagascar and Japan in 2010 and collected for statistical analysis. Results: Malagasy students tended to think that nursing plays a psychological role, and they have positive view for this function. In contrast, Japanese students tended to think that nursing is physical work and they make a point of its outcome and the need for social and economic guarantees. Conclusion: The nursing students in Madagascar and Japan expressed different views and goals. While several factors may be involved in these differences, their distinct medical situations are most likely the major contributor