The mediating role of fear of contagion in the effect of nursing students perceptions of infectious diseases on their care behaviors

Title: The mediating role of fear of contagion in the effect of nursing students perceptions of infectious diseases on their care behaviors

Abstract:

Background: Nursing students, as future healthcare professionals, are often exposed to infectious disease risks during clinical training. Their perceptions and emotional reactions, particularly fear of contagion, may significantly influence caregiving behaviors. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of fear of contagion in the relationship between nursing students’ perceptions of infectious diseases and their caregiving behaviors.
Methods: This descriptive and relational study was conducted with 111 third- and fourth-year nursing students at Bezmialem Vak?f University, Istanbul, between March–June 2025. Data were collected using the Perception of Infectious Diseases Scale (PIDS), Fear of Contagion Scale (FCS), and Caregiving Behaviors Scale (CBS-24). Statistical analyses included correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analysis via Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4).
Results: Participants demonstrated high perception levels (M=4.33±0.34), positive caregiving behaviors (M=5.01±0.56), and moderate fear of contagion (M=3.92±0.44). Perception of infectious diseases positively correlated with caregiving behaviors (r=0.322, p<0.001) and fear of contagion (r=0.239, p<0.05), while fear of contagion was negatively correlated with caregiving behaviors (r=-0.220, p<0.05). Mediation analysis confirmed that fear of contagion partially mediated the relationship between perception and caregiving (β=-0.124, p=0.035).
Conclusions: Although nursing students exhibited strong awareness and caregiving skills, fear of contagion weakened the positive impact of perception on care behaviors. Educational programs should integrate not only infection control knowledge but also psychosocial training to manage fear and anxiety. Incorporating simulation-based learning and psychological preparedness modules could strengthen students’ resilience and ensure safe, compassionate care during infectious disease outbreaks.

Biography:

Özcan Erdoğan is a lecturer in the Department of Nursing at Bezmialem Vakıf University's Faculty of Health Sciences. She also leads a master's program as head of the Disaster Management Department. She completed her undergraduate nursing degree at the Gülhane Military Medical Academy (GATA) School of Nursing and then her master's and doctoral degrees in medical microbiology. Her research focuses on disaster nursing, infection control, and public health preparedness. She has led and contributed to numerous national and international studies examining nurses' competencies, psychosocial responses, and clinical decision-making processes in crisis situations. Dr. Erdoğan also coordinates educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience and professional competence of nursing students in the context of infection prevention and disaster response.