Students’ safety culture at tertiary level academic institutes in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

This study aims to investigate the safety culture of tertiary-level students in Bangladesh and identify the factors that influence it. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1676 students from 16 universities and medical colleges in Bangladesh to gather data. The survey consisted of a paper-based structured questionnaire with three scales: a 17-item safety beliefs and values scale, a 10-item safety perception and awareness scale, and a 14-item safety attitudes scale. The results showed that tertiary-level students generally exhibit moderate levels of safety beliefs and values, safety perception and awareness, and safety attitudes. Female students had better safety perception and awareness β = -0.083; 95%CI = -0.140, -0.025 and safety attitudes β = -0.173; 95%CI = -0.230, -0.117, while male students had stronger safety beliefs and values β = 0.047; 95%CI = 0.005, 0.089. Students with physical disabilities and those who had experienced accidents had significantly higher levels of safety perception and awareness, as well as safety attitudes, compared to their peers. Additionally, students in private institutions had lower levels of safety perception and awareness β = -0.130; 95%CI = -0.189, -0.070 as well as safety attitudes β = -0.058; 95%CI = -0.116, -0.001, than public institution students. Age, gender, and type of institute were significantly associated with all three components of safety culture. Accident experience was also significantly linked to safety perception and awareness β = 0.054; 95%CI = 0.002, 0.105, and safety attitudes β = -0.093; 95%CI = -0.143, 0.043. Based on these findings, it is recommended that tertiary educational institutions in Bangladesh develop intervention strategies that consider the age, gender, and physical disability of students to enhance their safety culture.