Abstract

Objective: This study examines the reasons for nursing students to choose nursing as a career in Cambodia. Cross-sectional quantitative web-based questionnaire survey was used to collect data (English and Khmer versions, anonymous, five-item descriptive questionnaire). The participants were undergraduate nursing students [n=33 (20 ± 3.2years); males: 11, females: 22] at the National University of Cambodia. Questionnaire items included age, sex, “Why did you decide to become a nurse?” “What influenced you the most to become a nurse?” and “What is your goal after graduation?”
Methods: Data in English and Khmer were translated into Japanese using Google Translate, and content analysis was conducted according to the methodology of Berelson, B. The criterion of analysis was compared with the study findings of Ichiyanagi [1].
Results: In comparison with Japanese students who were mainly motivated “to help others,” the most common motivation for Cambodian students was “to help the country.” In both countries, the target of the motivation to be “helpful” was different. Additionally, 75% of the students answered “family” when asked about the factors that influenced their motivation. Furthermore, regarding the goals of Cambodian nursing students after graduation, many of them answered “I want to continue my studies to develop the nursing field.”
Conclusion: This study examined motivation for Cambodian students aspiring to become nurses as a career. As a result of combining similar contents, the categories were divided into six each. Cambodian nursing students were motivated to help their country, protect their families and develop nursing care.