Impact of Stress Coping and Digital Competence on Disaster Response Self-Efficacy in Nursing Students: A Multi-Centered Study

AIM To examine the impact of stress coping and digital competence on nursing students’ disaster response self-efficacy (DRSE). BACKGROUND Students’ ability to cope with stress and digital competencies may lead to greater self-efficacy in disaster response. METHOD This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in five universities with 520 nursing students. The Stress Coping Scale, Basic Digital Competencies of University Students 2.0–COBADI, and DRSE Scale were used. RESULTS Analysis confirmed the tested model. Stress coping had a positive direct effect on digital competence (β = 4.426; p = .019) and DRSE (β = 12.155; p = .001). One-unit increase in stress coping led to a 4.426-unit increase in digital competence and a 12.155-unit increase in DRSE ( p < .05). CONCLUSION Enriching the nursing curriculum to strengthen stress coping and digital competencies may better prepare students for effective disaster response.