UNDERGRADUATE NURSING-STUDENTS HEALTH PROMOTION COUNSELING SELF-EFFICACY

In this study, undergraduate nursing students' self-efficacy for carry ing out health promotion activities with clients in nursing settings w as examined. Students in the first, second and fourth year of a baccal aureate programme felt moderately efficacious about their knowledge an d abilities for health promotion counselling in the three content doma ins measured (smoking cessation, nutrition and exercise). Senior nursi ng students had the highest self-efficacy scores, suggesting a positiv e impact on health promotion skills over the educational experience. I n all areas of health promotion, regardless of year in their education al programme, students reported significantly lower efficacy for their ability to engage clients in an educational programme for behavioural change. Educational directions from Bandura's theory are described.