Latent profiles of health science communication competency and associated factors among geriatric nurses in Beijing: a cross-sectional study

Geriatric nurses are well positioned to translate clinical knowledge into usable health information for older adults; however, evidence on their health science communication competency and its heterogeneity remains limited. This study examined competency levels, latent profiles, and associated factors among geriatric nurses in Beijing. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Beijing, China, from November to December 2025. In total, 537 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Health science communication competency, general self-efficacy, and perceived organizational support were assessed using validated instruments. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified competency profiles, and three-step (R3STEP) multinomial logistic regression examined factors associated with profile membership. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Beijing, China, from November to December 2025. In total, 537 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Health science communication competency, general self-efficacy, and perceived organizational support were assessed using validated instruments. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified competency profiles, and three-step (R3STEP) multinomial logistic regression examined factors associated with profile membership. The mean overall competency score was 180.11 ± 29.19, and content creation showed the lowest mean item score (4.19 ± 0.80). LPA supported a three-profile solution: low ( n = 59, 11.0%), middle ( n = 238, 44.3%), and high ( n = 240, 44.7%). Higher self-efficacy and greater instrumental organizational support were associated with lower odds of belonging to the low- and middle-competency profiles relative to the high-competency profile. Compared with willingness to participate, unwillingness and neutral willingness were associated with higher odds of belonging to the low-competency profile, while neutral willingness was also associated with higher odds of belonging to the middle-competency profile. In this Beijing sample of geriatric nurses, health science communication competency was moderate to high, and the three profiles primarily reflected overall competency levels. Content creation was relatively lowest, although differences across domains were modest. These findings may inform level-informed capacity-building strategies.