Exploring the Relationship Between Financial Stress and Academic Integrity Among Undergraduate Nursing Students

Background: Financial stress is a growing concern among nursing students, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where limited financial resources may affect students’ academic behavior. Academic integrity is fundamental to nursing education, directly influencing the development of ethical and competent healthcare professionals. Understanding the relationship between financial stress and academic integrity is essential for identifying factors that may compromise educational standards and future professional conduct.Aim: This study aimed to assess the association between financial stress and academic integrity among undergraduate nursing students in private colleges of Sargodha, Pakistan.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. The study was conducted in various private nursing colleges in Sargodha. Using the Raosoft sample size calculator and a total population of 450 students, a sample size of 270 was determined. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising demographic details, a validated Financial Stress Scale, and an Academic Integrity Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were applied using SPSS version 27. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The findings showed that 54.8% of students experienced moderate financial stress, while 21.9% experienced high financial stress. Academic integrity was high among 44.8% of students, moderate in 38.1%, and low in 17.1%. A significant association was found between financial stress and academic integrity (χ² = 31.56, p < 0.001), with higher stress linked to lower integrity levels.Conclusion: Financial stress significantly influences academic integrity in nursing students. Targeted interventions to alleviate financial burdens may enhance ethical academic behavior.