The purpose of the study was explained and written,
informed consent was obtained. A total of 180 students (the
remaining 8were eitherabsent or declinedto take part) were
recruited for the study and comprised the study sample. In
addition to the basic purpose of the study, nursing students
were also explained about the objective, methodology and
of course the confidentiality of their responses in order to
increase their confidence about participating in the study.
Also, becausethenursing course these studentsareenrolled
in is a residential one, their attendance in their regular
academic classesis usually voluntary and very high.Thestudy
wasconductedin thestudents’ nursing college in acongenial
atmosphere to make them feel more comfortable about
taking part in the study.The superintendent of the nursing
college ensured a smooth data collection by introducing the
researcher (data were collected by the first or last author) to
the students and by briefing the students on the desirability
of carrying out studies of this kind. She also selected suitable
times for data collection in order to maximise participation.