Assessment of Perception of Nursing Students Towards Assisting Patients with Mobility Impairment at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Abstract

Mobility impairment is a great health challenge that affects patients’ independence, quality of life, and overall well-being. Nurses play a critical role in supporting such patients by assisting with mobility, rehabilitation, and activities of daily living. The attitudes and perceptions of student Nurses toward helping patients with impaired mobility are very important, as these perceptions can influence the quality of care they provide in clinical settings. Understanding these perceptions is essential for identifying potential gaps in training and fostering positive attitudes that promote patient-centered care. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practical preparedness of nursing students to provide mobility care to patients with mobility impairments at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 188 nursing students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and results were presented in frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings revealed that nursing students demonstrated high theoretical knowledge (97.3%) and awareness of mobility impairments, with most identifying conditions such as cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries. However, only 63.3% expressed confidence in their ability to identify specific patient needs, indicating a gap between theory and practice. The study concludes that while nursing students possess sound conceptual knowledge and positive attitudes toward assisting patients with mobility impairments, their clinical preparedness remains insufficient. It recommends curriculum reforms that emphasize simulation-based learning, ergonomic, communication skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve nursing students’ readiness for mobility care and ensure safer, more inclusive patient outcomes.