The manual dexterity of nursing students and factors that affect it

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to define the manual dexterity of nursing students and factors that affect it. Methodology. The sample for this descriptive and analytical study was composed of 196 nursing students. The data collection tools were a survey and the Purdue pegboard test. Results. The mean dominant hand dexterity score of the students was determined to be 19.16 ± 1.36; non-dominant hand dexterity score, 17.04 ± 1.43; mean both hands dexterity score, 14.58 ± 1.35; mean right hand + left hand + both hands dexterity score, 50.70 ± 4.20; and mean assembly skill score, 38.55 ± 6.02. As a result, manual dexterity of the nursing students is relatively high in the 4th year of their education. Also, the students who have a normal body type, a hobby or have chosen the profession voluntarily have better manual dexterity scores. Conclusion. The results of the present study demonstrate that students should be guided to a hobby and adapted to the profession during nursing education. This study may constitute normative data for future study related to this issue, and may be guiding in the achievement of the objectives of nursing training and provision of a higher quality education.