Global public health security necessitates a comprehensive approach to managing proactive and reactive measures to mitigate the risks posed by acute health events that transcend regions and borders. Pandemics, health crises, and fragile health systems not only endanger lives, but also present formidable challenges to the global economy and security, ranking among the most critical issues faced today. 1 Addressing these challenges demands robust health sector management to ensure efficient health care system operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality patient care. This task is further complicated by financial constraints, workforce shortages, regulatory complexities, technological integration, and the necessity of maintaining consistent quality and equitable access across diverse populations.Reference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 In India, these challenges are compounded by its ranking as the seventh most vulnerable country to climate extremes, adding another layer of complexity to its health emergency preparedness.Reference Mohanty and Wadhawan 3 This vulnerability includes limited health care access, poor infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, and environmental risks.Reference Clark and Preto 4 The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted weaknesses in India’s emergency response systems, prompting necessary reforms.Reference Majumder, Biswas and Layek 5 Moreover, the disjointed nature of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is further complicated by unique challenges faced in states like Himachal Pradesh, where the hilly terrain and seasonal influx of tourists complicate logistical planning and emergency response efforts.Reference Sharma and Brandler 6 Additionally, climate-related incidents such as cloudbursts and landslides intensify these difficulties, placing additional strain on health care resources and complicating emergency preparedness and response.Reference Bhattacharya and Banerjee 7 In this context, volunteers emerge as crucial agents in bolstering community resilience during emergencies. Globally, health care worker shortages have exacerbated the strain on frontline workers, underscoring the pivotal role of nurses in providing essential care.Reference Clark and Preto 4 , Reference Koontalay, Suksatan and Prabsangob 8 Nursing students, in particular, can serve as vital support during pandemics, disasters, and other crises, thus easing the burden on health care systems.Reference Bazan, Nowicki and Rzymski 9 Studies showed that demographic variables significantly shape these intentions.Reference Karki, Budhathoki and Khadka 10 , Reference Gouda, Kirk and Sweeney 11 Understanding the factors influencing nursing students’ volunteering intentions is crucial for enhancing health care responses in emergencies.
By exploring demographic determinants, we gain valuable insights into the motivations and barriers that nursing students encounter, ultimately strengthening the health care workforce and improving public health outcomes during crises. Age significantly influences volunteerism, with younger students often seeking to gain experience and enhance their resumes due to fewer personal responsibilities, while older students bring life experience and a deeper understanding of social issues, often volunteering for altruistic reasons, or to fulfill educational requirements.Reference Wilson 12 Marital status and family income also shape volunteer intentions, as married students or those with family obligations may have limited time to volunteer, whereas students from higher-income families typically have more resources to engage in unpaid work.Reference Seah, Ho and Liaw 13 According to Hustinx et al. Reference Hustinx, Cnaan and Handy 14, individuals with fewer financial constraints are more likely to volunteer, highlighting the need for support systems for those facing economic challenges.Reference Hustinx, Cnaan and Handy 14
Educational programs significantly impact students’ views on volunteerism.Reference Karki, Budhathoki and Khadka 10 Wymer and Starnes Reference Wymer and Starnes 16 suggested that educational background influenced volunteer motivations,Reference Gage and Thapa 15 with advanced students seeking roles aligned with their skills.Reference Wymer and Starnes 16 Moreover, the area in which students resided affected their exposure to volunteer opportunities and their perceptions of community needs. Differences in health care access and community support can influence volunteer activities, with students from districts with higher health care demands feeling a stronger call to volunteer due to community responsibilities.Reference Torgerson and Edwards 17 Understanding these demographic variables is crucial for designing targeted volunteer programs that address the diverse needs and motivations of nursing students.
This investigation employed variables derived from the theory of planned behavior to forecast individuals’ intentions to engage in volunteer activities. The study additionally examined various factors, including altruism, risk perception, and social capital. The aforementioned factors, in conjunction with additional elements, contribute to a broader and more multifaceted understanding of the motivations behind volunteerism. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), pioneered by Ajzen, identifies key determinants of behavior—attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—as crucial factors shaping nursing students’ attitudes toward volunteering during health emergencies.Reference Ajzen 18 , Reference Gross and Christian 19 Gaston Godin’s review highlights TPB’s predictive accuracy in health care settings, with studies from Australia, Hanoi (Vietnam), China, Oman, and Malaysia reaffirming its applicability across diverse contexts.Reference Godin, Bélanger-Gravel and Eccles 20 –Reference Abdulelah, Sallam and Safizal 26 Altruism also plays a pivotal role, driving voluntary actions among nursing students globally, supported by studies linking prosocial traits like empathy and generosity to active volunteering.Reference Chou 27 –Reference Law and Shek 29 Risk perceptions, crucial in decision-making (including volunteering), involve evaluating potential harm against benefits.Reference Bouder and Löfstedt 30 Organizations enhance volunteer participation by addressing safety concerns and increasing transparency.Reference Brewer, Chapman and Gibbons 31 Studies demonstrate that social media usage enhances social capital and participation in social movements.Reference Hwang and Kim 32 , Reference Walgrave, Bennett and Van Laer 33 Additionally, platforms like Facebook influence volunteering and philanthropy views, highlighting the role of networks in aligning beliefs with actions.Reference Farrow and Yuan 34 Social networks facilitate relationships and enhance psychological well-being, particularly among students using platforms like WhatsApp.Reference Bano, Cisheng and Khan 35 Overall, social capital, including bridging social capital, significantly impacts individuals and students, promoting volunteerism and community engagement.
While volunteerism is essential in strengthening health care systems during emergencies, there is a notable scarcity of research in India on the demographic profile of nursing students and their intentions to volunteer, particularly when considering social capital alongside the TPB during health emergencies like disasters and pandemics. Although studies have examined these determinants in Western and European contexts, their findings may not translate directly to India due to its unique cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic attributes. The existing literature often overlooks India’s specific challenges, including its health care infrastructure pressures from climate-related emergencies and a growing population. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate how demographic factors influence the components of the TPB—attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—as well as altruism, risk perception, and social capital, in shaping the volunteer intentions of nursing students. This research aims to fill this gap, offering insights that will inform policy and educational interventions tailored to the Indian context. The findings will enhance the theoretical understanding of volunteerism in India and contribute empirical data to the global literature, ultimately aiding in developing strategies to boost volunteerism among nursing students and improve public health outcomes during emergencies.
Methodology
Research Design
Setting, population, and sample size
Cross-sectional surveys were conducted among final-year BSc and MSc nursing students in 4 districts of Himachal Pradesh, chosen for their high concentration of nursing institutes. The total population included 1179 students, with a minimum required sample size of 363 (284 for BSc [N] and 79 for MSc [N]), it was calculated using the Qualtrics online calculator, using a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error.
The study instrument & data collection procedure
An online questionnaire was developed using Google Forms to assess how demographic factors influence volunteerism among nursing students. The questionnaire, informed by a literature review, included 38 questions: 6 on demographics, 29 measured on a 5-point Likert scale, 2 multiple-choice, and 1 open-ended question. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.877 for 29 items, indicating high internal consistency. Constructs such as attitude (0.859), subjective norms (0.851), and perceived behavioral control (0.773) showed high reliability. Intention (0.811), social capital (0.810), risk perception (0.749), and altruism (0.761) also demonstrated strong reliability, surpassing the 0.7 threshold.Reference George and Mallery 36 From August to October 2023, 550 questionnaires were distributed via WhatsApp, achieving a 72.72% response rate, with 400 voluntary responses.
Ethical consideration
Ethical approval via email was secured from the participating institutions to ensure the confidentiality of the study. At the outset, the Research Degree Committee of the Faculty of Commerce and Management at Himachal Pradesh University approved the study. The authors assured the participants that their participation or withdrawal would not adversely affect their careers and implied their consent through voluntary responses to the electronic survey link. To safeguard anonymity, the authors intentionally avoided questions that sought personal details of respondents.
Data analysis
This study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analyses, with data processed using SPSS version 21. Violations of linearity and normality in the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests for dataset necessitate using nonparametric tests, such as the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, to explore factors predicting volunteer intentions. Additionally, a word cloud is generated from open-ended responses to visualize and emphasize the frequency and significance of barriers to volunteerism.
Results
Demographic Characteristics
The dataset as shown in Table 1, comprising 400 participants, offers valuable demographic insights. A substantial majority (77.25%) are single, with only 22.75% being married. The age distribution indicates that most respondents (82.00%) are between 20 and 25 years old, 15.75% are aged 25 to 30, and a minor segment (2.25%) is over 30. There are no respondents under 20 years old. Regarding residential areas, 69.25% live in rural locations, while 30.75% are urban dwellers. Family income data shows that 41.25% earn less than Rs. 30 000 per month, 26.75% have an income between Rs. 30 000 and Rs. 40 000, 14.75% earn between Rs. 40 000 and Rs. 50 000, and 17.25% earn above Rs. 50 000. Educationally, 81.00% are in their final year of a BSc nursing program, while 19.00% are in their final year of an MSc nursing program. The respondents are geographically distributed as follows: 32.25% from Shimla, 13.50% from Solan, 14.00% from Mandi, and 40.25% from Kangra. This demographic profile reveals a predominantly young, rural, and single population, largely engaged in undergraduate studies, with diverse family income levels.
Table 1. Showing demographic profile of nursing respondents (N = 400)
Source: Primary Data.
Volunteering Status of Nursing Students
Table 2 presents an analysis of the volunteering status among 400 nursing students, showing that 74.75% have participated in volunteer activities while 25.25% have not. The data examines various psychological and social constructs related to volunteering, revealing significant differences between students who have volunteered and those who have not. Nursing students who volunteered scored notably higher in several areas: attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, social capital, intention, and altruism. The ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 (eta square) values indicate medium to large effect sizes, suggesting that volunteering status explains a substantial proportion of the variance in these constructs—14.4% for attitude, 21.6% for subjective norms, 17.5% for perceived behavioral control, 15.5% for social capital, 10.8% for intention, and 17.6% for altruism. However, there was no significant difference in risk perception, indicating that volunteering status does not affect how nursing students perceive risk.
Table 2. Table provides the mean rank for the question asked, “Have you ever volunteered in life?” (Mean Rank, N = 400)
Note: P value *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01.
Volunteering Willingness According to Situations Given
Table 3 shows 400 nursing students’ willingness to serve in pandemics and disasters. 20.25% (81 respondents) are eager to volunteer during a pandemic, whereas 15.75% (63 respondents) are willing to help in disasters. Notably, 64% of 256 participants were willing to volunteer in both cases. Attitudes (ATT) and subjective norms (SN) differ somewhat between contexts (ATT: P = 0.703, SN: P = 0.799). Disasters increase perceived behavioral control (PBC pandemic: 197.60, disaster: 222.94; P = 0.236). Both events have consistent intentions (INT pandemic: 187.17, disaster: 185.75; P = 0.786). Risk perception (RP), social capital (SC), and altruism (ALT) are not significantly different (RP: 0.189, SC: 0.647, ALT: 0.925). Overall, attitudes and subjective norms are steady, although perceived control is greater in catastrophe scenarios, indicating small variations in nursing students’ emergency volunteering.
Table 3 The table shows the mean ranks for different situations in which nursing students demonstrate their capability to volunteer (Mean Rank, N = 400)
Abbreviations: ATT = Attitude, SN = Subjective norms, PBC = Perceived behavioral control, SC = Social capital, INT = Intention, RP = Risk perception, ALT = Altruism.
P value *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01.
Table 4 utilizes the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test to examine the variations in volunteering-related variables among nursing students from different demographic backgrounds. (Tables 1, 2, and 3 of annexure shows normality, reliability, correlation of data variables and measures used in study). The analysis reveals significant differences based on marital status, particularly in PBC (P = 0.038, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.103) and risk perception (RP) (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.734), indicating that married and unmarried nursing students experience these aspects differently, with married students showing distinct perceptions of control and risk.
Table 4. Table provides the mean rank for variables used to predict intention toward volunteerism according to different demographic variables (Mean Rank, N = 400)
Abbreviations: ATT = Attitude, SN = Subjective norms, PBC = Perceived behavioral control, SC = Social capital, INT = Intention, RP = Risk perception, ALT = Altruism. Spearman’s rho Correlation.
*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01.
Educational programs also play a crucial role in shaping students’ volunteering perspectives. Significant differences are observed in SN (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.293), PBC (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.669), INT (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.188), and SC (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.237).
Age is another influential factor, impacting several dimensions: ATT (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.201), SN (P = 0.008, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.016), ALT (P = 0.001, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.002), and INT (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.043). Older nursing students generally exhibit more positive attitudes and stronger intentions to volunteer, possibly due to increased maturity and life experience.
Family income significantly affects SN (P = 0.045, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.0127) and RP (P = 0.018, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.017), with students from families earning between Rs. 40 000-50 000 demonstrating higher subjective norms and risk perception. This suggests that economic stability might influence their social expectations and risk assessment in volunteering contexts.
Furthermore, geographic location impacts students’ volunteering intentions, with notable differences observed among districts. SN (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.040), PBC (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.064), INT (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.038), and SC (P = 0.000, ȠReference Ramani and Mavalankar 2 = 0.038) vary significantly, with students from the Solan and Mandi districts typically scoring higher in these areas. This indicates that regional factors, such as local culture or community engagement, might influence students’ volunteering behaviors. These findings underscore the substantial impact of demographic factors on nursing students’ attitudes and intentions toward volunteering.
What Stops Nursing Students From Volunteering?
The word cloud as shown in figure 1, reveals several barriers that prevent nursing students from volunteering during emergencies. Lack of training is a major issue, leaving students feeling unprepared. The absence of incentives, including financial compensation and formal recognition, discourages participation. Family approval and financial constraints further hinder volunteering efforts, while study commitments limit students’ available time. There is also a perceived lack of government support and logistical challenges, such as accommodation for relocation, which pose significant obstacles. Communication gaps with authorities, indicated by mentions of no replies or comments, add to the dissatisfactions among nursing students.
Figure 1. Word cloud showing responses from nursing students regarding barriers to volunteering during health emergencies.
Discussion
Willingness to Volunteer
In the current study, the willingness of nursing students to volunteer during health emergencies is quite apparent. The majority of students not only expressed a readiness to volunteer but also reported having prior volunteer experience. This finding highlights a strong inclination among Indian nursing students to engage in emergency situations, suggesting they are well-prepared and committed to responding when needed. The positive mean scores for attitudes and intentions further reinforce this readiness. This aligns with existing literature, which consistently shows that nursing students are eager and prepared to volunteer during emergencies. Various studies also found a strong willingness among nursing students to contribute in critical situations, emphasizing their dedication to supporting health care efforts.Reference Karki, Budhathoki and Khadka 10 , Reference Gouda, Kirk and Sweeney 11 , Reference Adejimi, Odugbemi and Odukoya 37 , Reference Hj Abdul Aziz AAH, Abdul-Mumin and Abdul Rahman 38
Volunteers exhibited higher levels of attitudes, intentions, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control compared to non-volunteers, emphasizing their prior involvement in volunteer activities and their preparedness to serve during crises.Reference Abdulelah, Sallam and Safizal 26 , Reference Ghose and Kassam 39 While attitudes and subjective norms showed minor differences, perceived behavioral control was higher in disaster situations, attributed to the Indian Nursing Council’s adoption of the WHO’s emergency handling module for disasters, equipping Indian nurses to manage such situations more effectively compared to pandemics. Intentions, risk perception, social capital, and altruism are consistent across emergencies, highlighting that nursing students are generally prepared to volunteer, with nuanced readiness depending on the emergency type.
Moreover, the TPB variables used in this study reveal a positive correlation with volunteering intentions, corroborating findings from other research.Reference Tran, Nguyen and Bui 22 Those with previous volunteer experience are notably more inclined to volunteer again,Reference Karki, Budhathoki and Khadka 10 , Reference Al Gharash, Smith and Cusack 40 suggesting that past experiences play a significant role in shaping future volunteer intentions. Overall, the study illustrates that a significant portion of the nursing students are prepared to assist during both pandemics and disasters. This willingness underscores the important role that nursing students can play in emergency responses and highlights the value of fostering and supporting their engagement in such critical situations.
Demographic Profile and Willingness to Volunteer
The study investigates how demographic factors influence TPB variables among nursing students, with perceived behavioral control and risk perception showing notable differences based on marital status.Reference Hj Abdul Aziz AAH, Abdul-Mumin and Abdul Rahman 38 Consistent with prior research attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are significant predictors of intentions.Reference Harrison 41 Students who valued volunteering, had past volunteering experience, and were married, were more likely to intend future community service.Reference Hyde and Knowles 42
The current study found that most variables, including attitudes, subjective norms, altruism, risk perception, and social capital, showed no significant differences based on the participants’ residing areas. A demographic analysis revealed that the majority of participants were from rural areas, yet the residing area had no significant impact on the preparedness of nursing students for a pandemic. These findings are consistent with a previous study conducted in Eastern India, which also found no significant regional impact on nursing students’ preparedness.Reference Majumder, Biswas and Layek 5 The study conducted in Spain revealed that nursing students, regardless of their regional backgrounds, demonstrated unwavering ethical and moral principles in their direct care of COVID-19 patients.Reference Rodríguez-Almagro, Hernández-Martínez and Romero-Blanco 43 Their ability to set aside regional differences and maintain a unified commitment to patient care underscores the strength of their professional values and cohesion in the face of diverse contexts.
Moreover, significant variations were observed in subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, and social capital across educational programs and districts, with BSc individuals ranking lower than MSc counterparts. As revealed by a study that seniority was associated with more positive attitudes, stronger perceived support, greater knowledge, and better access to resources and information about caring for SARS patients.Reference Ko, Feng and Chiu 24 Past studies also indicate that second-year nursing students exhibit lower levels of confidence in their ability to volunteer during a pandemic.Reference Al Gharash, Smith and Cusack 40 In contrast, final-year medical and nursing students demonstrate a greater willingness to volunteer compared to their peers in earlier years.Reference Karki, Budhathoki and Khadka 10 This suggests that as nursing students progress through their program, their preparedness and confidence for volunteering in crisis situations tend to improve. However, some studies also indicate that willingness to volunteer tends to decrease with increased seniority,Reference Hj Abdul Aziz AAH, Abdul-Mumin and Abdul Rahman 38 , Reference Yu, Li and Chong 44 which shows deviations from current results. Similar results were reported by previous studies which also showed that there were higher levels of perceived behavioral control among seniors compared to juniors.Reference Karki, Budhathoki and Khadka 10 , Reference Brailo, Pelivan and Škaričić 45 Additionally, participants with bachelor’s or postgraduate degrees showed greater willingness to participate in natural disaster responses than those with only a diploma.Reference Al-Hunaishi, Hoe and Chinna 46
The study found that subjective norms varied significantly across educational programs and age groups, with senior students and older individuals experiencing greater social pressure and recognition to volunteer. Family approval and peer support were identified as influential factors in final-year nursing students’ decisions to volunteer during the COVID-19 response.Reference Seah, Ho and Liaw 13 This aligns with findings from Vietnam, where societal expectations are a key predictor of volunteer intentions among nursing students.Reference Tran, Nguyen and Bui 22 Similarly, Indian students, rooted in a collectivist culture, are more influenced by the values and perspectives of others than their Western counterparts.Reference Hofstede and Minkov 47 This cultural orientation highlights the importance of community expectations and social approval in shaping their willingness to engage in volunteer activities.
Family income influences students’ ability to volunteer by affecting their access to resources. Students from wealthier families often have more opportunities to volunteer, as they are less burdened by financial pressures.Reference He, Lin and Liu 48 Social and cultural factors, like family support, also shape volunteering behaviors. Volunteering often builds social capital and meets family expectations, especially for those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.Reference Dubey and Sahu 49 However, some studies find that family income doesn’t significantly impact volunteer intentions, highlighting a divergence in findings.Reference Majumder, Biswas and Layek 5
Social capital was found to differ between BSc and MSc students, with senior students demonstrating more extensive social networks that can effectively encourage others to volunteer. This finding is consistent with the study by Llenares and Deocaris (2015), which emphasized the influential role senior students play in motivating new graduates and their peers to engage in volunteer activities.Reference Llenares and Deocaris 50 The expansive networks and experience of senior students make them well-positioned to lead by example and foster a culture of volunteerism among their colleagues. Additionally, mass media plays a pivotal role in disseminating information during health crises, further enhancing the ability of these networks to spread awareness and mobilize volunteer.Reference Woo, Park and Joe 51
Barriers to Volunteer
In discussing the barriers to volunteering among nursing students, several significant challenges emerge. Study commitments are a major obstacle, with many students finding their academic responsibilities limit the time available for volunteering. This issue is supported by previous research, which highlights how educational demands can constrain students’ ability to participate in volunteering.Reference Gouda, Kirk and Sweeney 11 , Reference Gage and Thapa 15 The lack of government support further complicates the situation, revealing a gap in organizational backing and necessary resources for effective volunteering. Additionally, logistical challenges arise from the absence of living arrangements for those who may need to relocate temporarily.Reference Al Gharash, Smith and Cusack 40
Financial barriers also play a crucial role in deterring students from engaging in unpaid volunteer work. The lack of financial incentives and the absence of participation certainly contribute to this reluctance.Reference Hj Abdul Aziz AAH, Abdul-Mumin and Abdul Rahman 38 , Reference Al Gharash, Smith and Cusack 40 These factors highlight the need for greater recognition and financial support to encourage student volunteers. Furthermore, insufficient training in emergency management underscores the need for enhanced preparedness, specifically in a pandemic situation. Many students feel unprepared to handle emergency situations, pointing to a gap in the current training programs.Reference Gouda, Kirk and Sweeney 11 , Reference Adejimi, Odugbemi and Odukoya 37 , Reference Hj Abdul Aziz AAH, Abdul-Mumin and Abdul Rahman 38 Family dynamics also impact students’ willingness to volunteer, with family approval often serving as a barrier. Concerns from family members regarding safety or conflicting priorities can influence students’ decisions to participate.Reference Adejimi, Odugbemi and Odukoya 37 Lastly, time constraints, driven by busy schedules and competing priorities, add another layer of complexity. These constraints reflect broader challenges in balancing academic, personal, and voluntary commitments.Reference Cusack, Arbon and Ranse 52 By tackling these issues, it may be possible to increase nursing students’ participation in volunteering during critical times.
Implications
Implications for Practice and Policy
In the Indian context, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, insights into the demographic and psychological impacts of volunteering can guide the development of initiatives aimed at enhancing volunteer engagement and community cohesion among HCWs. The research has yielded numerous recommendations. Create customized training programs for nursing students that accommodate demographic disparities, such as separate courses for married and unmarried students, as well as advanced training for MSc (N) candidates. Implement age-specific engagement techniques that provide older students with leadership responsibilities and younger students with skill-building opportunities, as well as economic support mechanisms such as scholarships or financial incentives for students from low-income families. Customize volunteer programs to fit local cultural and community customs, as well as establish support structures for married students, such as flexible schedules and child care. Enhance educational programs with advanced modules and experience learning to improve subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, and social capital. Engage families by discussing how family income and dynamics affect volunteering, as well as providing information and support to increase family participation. Conduct longitudinal studies to better understand how demographic factors influence volunteer attitudes and behaviors over time, as well as community-based research to match programs with local values and increase involvement. By implementing these recommendations, future studies and treatments can better accommodate nursing students’ different needs, resulting in increased volunteer involvement and preparation.
Strength and Limitations
Employing both qualitative and quantitative techniques provides a deeper understanding of the concept of volunteering. The large sample size and the use of appropriate statistical tools strengthen this study. Investigating volunteerism among Indian nursing students contributes valuable insights to the existing body of knowledge, marking it the first of its kind in this demographic. However, the study has some limitations. It focuses solely on 1 state in India, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Researchers should conduct similar studies in other states to gain a comprehensive view of volunteerism, incorporating other psychological factors such as personality and emotions.
Conclusion
The comprehensive analysis of nursing students’ demographic profiles and their volunteer intentions during health emergencies provides profound insights with practical implications. Demographic factors like age, marital status, residing area, family income, educational program, and district significantly influence volunteer intentions. Despite obstacles, nursing students’ readiness and willingness to volunteer during emergencies highlights their dedication and crucial role in the health care system. Their high volunteer rates showcase a strong sense of duty and preparedness. However, academic pressures, lack of support, and financial concerns can impede participation. Addressing these challenges through strategic support, flexible training programs, and recognition initiatives can significantly enhance their volunteer capacity. Empowering nursing students with necessary resources and support ensures they are well-prepared, confident, and motivated to respond to emergencies, bolstering community resilience and strengthening emergency health care responses.
Supplementary material
The supplementary material for this article can be found at http://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2024.321.
Data availability statement
Data supporting this study is available from the corresponding author upon request.
Acknowledgments
I would like to express my gratitude to the nursing students of Himachal Pradesh for their time and cooperation in this research.
Author contribution
PP was responsible for the conception of the work, data collection, data analysis, and drafting the article; DKS critically revised the article and gave final approval.
Funding statement
No financial support is received for this study.
Competing interest
None.
Ethical standard
This study was approved by Research Degree Committee of the Faculty of Commerce and Management at Himachal Pradesh University [ref no. 2-17/10-HPU(IMS)-0051]. The research process adhered to principals of honesty, transparency and respectof participants avoiding any form of coercion or harm.
