Nursing Sustainability Literacy

Abstract

Complexity theory provides a framework for understanding that the dimensions of sustainability and the social determinants of health (SDH) are complex adaptive systems (CAS), nested together in dynamic interaction. This one-phase convergent mixed-methods study aimed to better understand how nursing students’ environmental values are associated with SDH through a survey with a convenience sample of 120 University of Wisconsin Milwaukee nursing students. Sustainability attitudes and environmental world views were measured and compared to averaged ratings of SDH dimensions included in coursework. Respondents with strongest pro-environment world views rated the degree of SDH content in nursing coursework lowest. This finding has implications for educators using the SDH model in nursing curricula and suggests that enhanced SDH instruction can be realized by focusing on ecological connections to health and sustainability literacy.