Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40676598›Full record

ArticleBMC nursing2025

Nursing undergraduates' use, readiness, barriers, and perceived effectiveness of online distance learning during COVID-19 in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional study.

Prasanthi Sumudrika Ilankoon Ilankoon Mudiyanselage, Kedhara Sujatha Seneviratne Seneviratne Mudiyanselage

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC nursing, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Prasanthi Sumudrika Ilankoon Ilankoon MudiyanselageDepartment of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. prasanthi@sjp.ac.lk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1393-1317
Kedhara Sujatha Seneviratne Seneviratne MudiyanselageDepartment of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

Funding

Graduate Training at the Interface of Neuroscience, Optical Engineering and Data ScienceT32NS136080 · NINDS · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · PI David A Boas, Jerry L Chen · 2024 to 2026
$661k
NINDS NIH HHS T32 NS136080
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional learning, presenting unique challenges for nursing undergraduates due to the hands-on nature of their education. Assessing students' readiness, usage of online platforms, and the barriers they face is crucial to evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of online learning. This study aimed to investigate nursing undergraduates' use of online learning facilities, readiness for online distance learning, and associated factors; to identify the barriers and challenges they faced; and to explore their perceived effectiveness with online distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

methodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 137 nursing undergraduates in Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a pretested, validated study instrument, including students' Online Learning Readiness Score (OLRS) distributed through Google Forms. The data were then analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance.

resultsThe study had a 91.3% response rate (n = 137), with a mean participant age of 24.18 (± 3.45) years. Nearly half (51.8%) accessed online classes via smartphones, and most (62.8%) used mobile data. Key challenges included mobility restrictions (85.4%), lack of face-to-face interaction (82.5%), heavy workloads (81%), household duties (79.6%), and poor internet connectivity (78.8%). The mean Online Learning Readiness Score (OLRS) was 13.95 (± 4.90), with higher scores in self-directed learning and motivation (3.44-3.63). MANOVA revealed a significant gender difference in OLRS (F = 3.932, p < 0.04; Wilks' Lambda = 0.955; η² = 0.028), and significant differences in computer internet self-efficacy across academic years (F = 6.015, p < 0.001; Wilks' Lambda = 0.808; η² = 0.119).

conclusionNursing undergraduates faced several challenges to online learning during COVID-19, including mobility restrictions, low motivation, and poor connectivity. Despite moderate self-directed learning and motivation, overall readiness was low. Readiness varied by gender and academic year, indicating the need for targeted support to improve digital preparedness and engagement. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Indexed as

COVID-19 pandemicDistance online learningNursing undergraduatesOnline learning readinessSelf-directed learning

Identifiers

PMID40676598
PMCPMC12273194

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.