The Effect of Rational Drug Use Education Program on Nursing Students' Self-Awareness Level for Rational Drug Use

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rational drug use education in enhancing nursing students' self-awareness regarding rational drug use. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized, involving a total of 176 nursing students who had not previously received education on rational drug use. The participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 88) and a control group (n = 88). Data collection tools included the Introductory Information Form and the Rational Drug Use Self-Awareness Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using mean and percentage calculations, multi-way analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean scores of the Rational Drug Use Self-Awareness Scale between the experimental and control groups, in terms of group, time, and group*time interaction. The educational program accounted for 45% of the increase in Rational Drug Use Self-Awareness Scale scores, with education leading to a 0.552-fold increase. Conclusion: The rational drug use education program proved to be a practical approach to enhance the self-awareness of nursing students about rational drug use. The findings contribute valuable insights to national and international nursing education literature.