Modified Cultural Awareness Scale: Measuring the Psychometric Properties for Use in Undergraduate Nursing Education in Ireland

Authors

  • Nipuna Thamanam School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Ireland and School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. Nipuna Thamanam (1,2) 1- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Ireland 2- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0345-5927 Daniela Lehwaldt (1) 1-School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Ireland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7526-8752 Mary Rose Sweeney (3) 3- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7469-4568 Author
  • Daniela Lehwaldt School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, Ireland. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7526-8752 Author
  • Mary Rose Sweeney Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7469-4568 Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59543/ijsdg.v1i.14637

Keywords:

Cultural Competence; Cultural Awareness Scale; Nursing Education; Psychometric Validation; Health Equity; Inclusive Learning; Sustainable development goals

Abstract

Cultural awareness underpins equitable, patient-centered care and is vital for nursing students’ professional development. Existing scales require validation across diverse contexts. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of a Modified Cultural Awareness Scale (mCAS) for undergraduate nursing students in Ireland. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 414 nursing students using an online 32-item mCAS on a 7-point Likert scale. Exploratory factor analyses assessed scale validity, while Cronbach’s alpha tested reliability. Factor analysis confirmed a four-factor structure. The mCAS demonstrated internal consistency and good model fit indices, supporting its validity and reliability. The mCAS can be used as a general tool for assessing cultural awareness in Irish nursing education. Its adoption can support SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by fostering culturally competent practitioners who deliver inclusive care. Future research should explore its use in interprofessional settings and longitudinal outcomes.

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Modified Cultural Awareness Scale: Measuring the Psychometric Properties for Use in Undergraduate Nursing Education in Ireland. (2025). International Journal of Sustainable Development Goals, 1, 409-422. https://doi.org/10.59543/ijsdg.v1i.14637

Issue

Vol. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles