PERCEIVED EFFECT OF THE USE OF LOW FIDELITY MANIKINS ON SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-COMPETENCE AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The use of simulation in nursing education has increased rapidly over the last number of years. Simulations have been recognized as providing clinical opportunities for student nurses to gain experience in a safe and controlled learning environment. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived effectiveness of using low fidelity simulated manikins on the self-confidence and competence of undergraduate nursing students in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Using a descriptive cross-sectional study, 221 nursing students in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Benin were offered a well-structured questionnaire using a convenient sampling method. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage distribution, while Chi-square statistical analysis techniques was used to test the research hypothesis with level of significance set at p<0.05. Results showed that 74.3% of nursing students have good attitude towards simulation-based learning while only 25.7% had poor attitude. More than half (66%) of students have a low level of self-confidence with regards to low fidelity manikins while 34% perceived a high confidence level. Also, 67% have a perceived low level of competence after using low fidelity manikins to learn. There is no significant relationship between the attitude towards simulation-based learning and self-confidence. The findings of this evaluation can provide guidance to aid future development of simulation technology in preparing students for real clinical practice. It is recommended that the laboratory in the Department of Nursing Science in the University of Benin should be equipped with high fidelity manikins.