Breaking barriers: The power of self-efficacy in combating occupational stigma and advancing gender equity in nursing education

A B S T R A C T
Background: Nursing students may encounter occupational stigma due to prevailing stereotypes and perceptions
of nursing as a gendered and undervalued profession. Occupational stigma in nursing can contribute to decreased
motivation, limited job satisfaction, and hindered professional growth, potentially impacting students’ career
choices and commitment to the profession.
Aim: This research explores how self-efficacy can mitigate the effects of occupational stigma among nursing
students and promote gender equity by encouraging both male and female students to pursue nursing confidently
and with a sense of professional pride.
Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive research design on 560 nursing students, which was
conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, XXX University, XXX. Three validated instruments were used: The Nurse
Occupational Stigma Scale, The Gender Equity Scale in Nursing Education, and The Student Self-Efficacy Scale.
Multiple linear regression was conducted to identify predictors of occupational stigma and gender equity, with
AMOS software used for mediation analysis.
Findings: Gender equity was negatively correlated with nurse occupational stigma (r = − 0.124, p = 0.003), a
positive correlation was found between gender equity and student self-efficacy (r = 0.098, p = 0.020), and nurse
occupational stigma had a strong positive correlation with student self-efficacy (r = 0.345, p < 0.001). The
structural equation model (SEM) suggests that self-efficacy contributes directly to perceptions of occupational
stigma without mediation by gender equity. Significant predictors of gender equity included age (p < 0.001) and
gender, with females reporting lower gender equity (p < 0.001), income level (p = 0.029), academic level (third
level, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (p = 0.002). For nurse occupational stigma, predictors included age (p =
0.023), income (p = 0.002), academic level (p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001).
Recommendation: The findings of this study highlight the importance of fostering inclusive and equitable envi­
ronments in nursing education and practice settings. Promoting gender equity may help reduce occupational
stigma, thereby improving job satisfaction and retention rates within the nursing profession.