Reasons and Perspectives of Nursing Students Regarding Academic Cheating in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Academic dishonesty among nursing students is a global concern with potential implications for patient safety and professional integrity. This doctoral thesis aimed to investigate the reasons for and prevalence of academic dishonesty among nursing students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Three interconnected studies were conducted. The first study involved the development and validation of the Reasons for Cheating Scale (RCS), a new instrument designed to assess the motivations or reasons behind cheating behaviours. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 482 nursing students from two universities in Saudi Arabia to evaluate the psychometric properties of the RCS. The second study assessed the prevalence and forms of academic dishonesty among nursing students using the newly developed self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered to 482 nursing students from two governmental universities. The third study investigated the specific reasons for academic cheating using the RCS among 482 nursing students from two universities.

Results: The RCS demonstrated robust psychometric properties, including high internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and item discrimination. The factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure for the RCS. The prevalence study revealed a high rate of academic dishonesty among nursing students, with 93.8% admitting to engaging in at least one form of cheating. Cheating was prevalent both during examinations (89.9%) and completion of assignments (79.9%). The common forms of cheating included studying previous examination questions, collaborating with peers, accessing unauthorized materials, seeking unauthorized help, allowing friends to copy assignments, and plagiarizing. The reasons for cheating were multifaceted, with the desire for high grades and pressure to please family being the most prominent motivators. Significant differences in cheating behaviors and reasons for cheating were found according to sex, age, and academic year.

Conclusions: This thesis highlights the widespread prevalence of academic dishonesty among nursing students in Saudi Arabia and the complex interplay of factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The newly developed RCS can be a valuable tool for future research and interventions aimed at understanding and addressing academic dishonesty in nursing education, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally. Nursing programs are suggested to incorporate ethics-focused curricula emphasizing the importance of academic integrity and professionalism for Saudi students in Saudi Arabia. Further, implementing regular workshops and training sessions on academic honesty, tailored to address cultural nuances, can further strengthen these values and diminish dishonest behaviors among these students.