Purpose
This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based pediatric medication safety competence (PMSC) virtual simulation program and evaluate its effectiveness among nursing students.
Methods
This quasi-experimental study used a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design and was conducted in December 2025. The AI-based PMSC virtual simulation program was developed based on Kolb’s experiential learning theory, following its 4-stage cycle of concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Participants were 48 third-year nursing students in South Korea who were assigned to either the experimental group (n=24) or the control group (n=24) through a nonrandomized allocation procedure. The experimental group participated in the PMSC virtual simulation program. Outcomes included PMSC, medication calculation confidence (MCC), Simulation Task Load Index (SIM-TLX), and learning immersion (LI). Data were collected before and after the intervention using validated instruments, and statistical tests were used to evaluate program effectiveness.
Results
Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvement in PMSC (t=2.48, p=.017). No significant between-group differences were observed in MCC (t=−0.87, p=.389) or LI (t=0.97, p=.336). In addition, SIM-TLX scores decreased significantly from pretest to posttest in the experimental group (t=−2.61, p=.016).
Conclusion
The AI-based PMSC virtual simulation program may help strengthen PMSC among nursing students and may be suitable for use in pediatric nursing education. Future research should refine the program to better address individual learning needs and integrate complementary simulation-based strategies into pediatric medication nursing education.

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the factors affecting the performance of standard precautions among third- and fourth-year nursing students. Focusing on the health belief model, it included individual factors such as knowledge of standard precautions, health beliefs, and self-efficacy, along with patient safety culture factor—conceptualized as an environmental factor of the performance of standard precautions.
Methods
This study included 160 third- and fourth-year nursing students in South Korea. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing factors influencing the performance of standard precautions during clinical practice.
Results
The hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy (β=.58, p<.001), experience with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) (β=–.15, p=.01), age (β=.12, p=.02), and knowledge of standard precautions (β=.14, p=.04) were significant predictors of the performance of standard precautions. Explanatory power of the model was 64.7%.
Conclusion
To enhance the performance of standard precautions among third- and fourth-year nursing students, ongoing education and strategies to improve their self-efficacy for health behaviors are essential. Tailored programs should be developed to prevent HAIs based on the specific self-efficacy levels of these students.

Purpose
This descriptive study identified factors influencing high school students’ intentions to receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination using Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior as the guiding framework.
Methods
Participants were 192 male and female high school seniors aged 18 years or older who could express their opinions independently. In April 2023, participants completed structured, self-administered questionnaires assessing HPV vaccination intention, HPV knowledge, attitudes toward HPV vaccination, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance with the Scheffé post hoc test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical multiple regression.
Results
Intention to receive HPV vaccination was significantly predicted by subjective norms (β=.31, p<.001), perceived behavioral control (β=.31, p<.001), attitudes (β=.22, p<.001), and school gender composition (β=.19, p=.005). Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control exerted the greatest influence and together explained 54% of the variance in intention (adjusted R²=.54).
Conclusion
These findings provide fundamental evidence for developing effective interventions to enhance high school students’ intentions to receive HPV vaccination. Efforts should focus on fostering positive perceptions of HPV vaccination by providing accurate information about its benefits and potential adverse effects, supported by credible public messaging.

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the relationship between future core nursing competencies and key variables, identifying factors influencing these competencies among senior nursing students.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 150 third- and fourth-year nursing students in South Korea. Based on King’s Dynamic Interaction System Model, perceived work value and individual innovative behavior were categorized as personal systems, interpersonal competence as an interpersonal system, and adhocracy culture as a social system. Participants completed self-reported online questionnaires to assess factors influencing future core nursing competencies.
Results
Hierarchical multiple regression analysis identified interpersonal competency (β=0.32, p=.012) and adhocracy culture (β=0.23, p=.010) as significant predictors of future core nursing competency explaining 30.9% of the variance.
Conclusion
Enhancing future core nursing competency among senior nursing students requires continuous education and counseling programs to strengthen interpersonal competency. Establishing an adhocracy culture involves recognizing creative ideas, fostering open communication for freely expressing ideas, and encouraging innovation. Therefore, developing interpersonal competence and promoting an adhocracy culture is essential for improving future core nursing competency in senior nursing students.

Citations

• An Integrative Review of Core Competencies for Nursing Undergraduates
  Wang Mei Juan, Norfadzilah Ahmad, Ashikin Atan, Khin Thandar Aung, Ting He
  INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARE SCHOLARS .2026; 9(1): 134.     CrossRef
• Eye health behaviors and parental influencing factors among preschool children in Korea: a cross-sectional study
  Il Tae Park
  Child Health Nursing Research.2025; 31(3): 144.     CrossRef