READINESS FOR SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AMONG MALE AND FEMALE NURSING STUDENTS AT NAJRAN UNIVERSITY

Background: Rapid change in knowledge and technology in the field of health care exaggerate the necessity from nurses to continuously update their knowledge and skills. Readiness for self-directed learning (RSDL) is the operator for Self-updating Aim: this study aims to compare RSDL among male and female nursing student at Najran University and investigate its relation to student sociodemographic characteristics. Research design: Descriptive correlational research design Setting: This study was conducted at nursing colleges Najran University (male and female sections). Subjects: a comprehensive sample of all students registered in nursing colleges during the second semester 2019 and accepted to participate in the study. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection: Tool I: Sociodemographic and academic history questionnaire, Tool II: Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education (SDLRSNE). Results: Female nursing students have higher self-management, desire for learning and total RSDL score than male students. Where, the mean self-management, desire for learning and total RSDL score is higher among female (40.8922±5.87646, 38.0392±4.79257 and 120.8725±13.41838) compared to male (37.2526±5.66243, 35.2316±4.84318 and 112.0421±12.99011) with statistically significant differences (p=0.000*) between the two groups, respectively. On the contrary, self-control is significantly higher among male student compared to female. Where, male student have higher self-control mean (42.5579±6.27849) compared to female (39.9412±5.12579) student with statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.004*). Thiers a statistically significant relation between age, sex, father education and RSDL scores. Another statistically significant relation between RSDL score, computer and black board skills is found. Conclusion: All RSDL element score is higher among female Saudi nursing students than male except for self-control. Thiers a statistically significant relation between age, sex, father education, computer skills, blackboard skills and RSDL scores. Key words: Readiness for self-directed learning, self-control, self-management, desire for learning