Community Health Journal

Community Health Journal

Exploring the Relationship Between Volunteerism and National Identity and Prosocial Behavior Among Semnan Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
N Amanat 1
F Timazi 2
M Seidi 2
L Rostamnia 3
M A Nochain 4
M Rafi 5
V Ghanbari 6
1 Assistant Prof., Emergency Nursing Dept., School of Nursing and Midwifery, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
2 MSc Student in Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
3 Assistant Prof., Medical Surgical Nursing Dept., School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
4 MSc Student in Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
5 Associate Prof., Psychology Dept., Faculty of Psychology, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.
6 Assistant Prof., Prehospital Emergency Care Dept., School of Allied Medical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22123/chj.2025.516309.2182
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shortage of human resources to provide health services in hospitals. Medical students are a highly efficient volunteer group due to the necessary knowledge and skills. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the willingness to volunteer and a tendency towards national identity and desirable social behavior in medical students in Semnan.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the research population was students of Semnan University of Medical Sciences in the second semester of 2022. 550 students were selected by convenient sampling method. Participants completed the demographic information form, the Willingness to Volunteer Questionnaire, and Carlo's National Identity and Desirable Social Behavior Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and independent t-test.
Results: More than 60% of the students reported a willingness to volunteer. Native students, those in nursing and paramedical fields, students in their fifth year or higher, those with clinical work experience, and those who had received three doses of the vaccine were more likely to volunteer (p<0.05). Tendency towards national identity and favorable social behavior were significantly related to willingness to volunteer (p=0.001).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of teaching and promoting national identity and prosocial behaviors in encouraging and persuading students to volunteer. As a result, cultural and educational programs can be effective in strengthening the volunteer spirit and social activities of students.
Keywords
Willingness to volunteer
National identity
Prosocial behavior
COVID-19 pandemic
Students
Medical sciences
Referenc
 
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Community Health Journal
Volume 19, Issue 2
Autumn 2025
Pages 1-12