The Use of Mobile Applications Among Undergraduate Nursing Students at a Selected South African University

Nelson Molatela Lebogo; Yolanda Havenga

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/21306

Authors

Nelson Molatela Lebogo Tshwane University of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1586-9830
Yolanda Havenga Tshwane University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/21306

Keywords:

clinical education and training, mobile application, nursing students, readiness, university, use

Abstract

Mobile applications are increasingly used in clinical education and can enhance nursing training by supporting self-directed learning and clinical competence. Smartphones provide access to integrated theory, simulation and clinical content through multimedia resources that support skills development and diverse learning styles. This study assessed undergraduate nursing students’ use of mobile applications during clinical training using a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative design among 128 students at a university in South Africa. A 13-item questionnaire assessed participants’ use of mobile applications. Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the relevant authorities. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, allowing for assessment of participants’ use of mobile applications in clinical training. Most students reported good computer skills and owned smartphones. Perceived usefulness of mobile applications was high, and most were willing to use a university-specific application. Barriers included security concerns, costs, infrastructure limitations, technical challenges and limited training. Findings indicate strong readiness, although targeted support and improved infrastructure are needed.

References

Alhassan, R.K., Ayanore, M.A., Diekuu, J.B., Prempeh, E.B.A. and Donkor, E,S. 2021. “Leveraging e-learning Technology to Enhance Pre-service Training for Healthcare Trainees in Ghana: Evidence From a Pilot Project and Pointers to Policy Reforms.” BMC Health Services Research 21(1209): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-07224-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-07224-3

Chandran, V.P, Balakrishnan A, Rashid, M., Pai Kulyadi, G., Khan, S. and Devi ES. 2022. “Mobile Applications in Medical Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Plos One 17(3): 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265927 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265927

Chen, B., Yang, T., Wang, Y., Xiao, L., Xu, C., Shen, Y., Qin, Q., Wang, Y., Li, C., Leng, Y. and Sun, Z. 2021. “Nursing Students ‘Attitudes Toward Mobile Learning: An Integrative Review.” International Journal of Nursing Science 8: 477–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2021.08.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2021.08.004

Department of Higher Education and Training. 2025. Statistics on Post-school Education and Training in South Africa. Website: Statistics on Post-School Education and Training in South Africa, 2023.pdf. Accessed: 4 October 2025

Gu, R., Wang, J., Zhang, Y., Li, Q., Wang, S., Sun, T. and Wei, L. 2022. “Effectiveness of a Game-based Mobile Application in Educating Nursing Students on Flushing and Locking Venous Catheters with Pre-filled Saline Syringes: A Randomised Controlled Trial.” Nurse Education in Practice 58(2022): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103260 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103260

Herrera-Lillo, A. and Urrejola-Contreras, G. 2025. “Assessing Digital Competence Among Health Science Undergraduates: A Critical Analysis.” Revista de investigación e innovación en ciencias de la salud 7(1). https://doi.org/10.46634/riics 349 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46634/riics

Huang, X.L., Tsao, Y., Chung, H.C., Creedy, D.K. 2021. “Effects of a Mobile Phone Application for Graduate Nurses to Improve Central Venous Catheter Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Advanced Nursing 77: 2328–2339. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14735 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14735

Ilker, E., Sulaiman, A.M. and Rukayya. S.A. 2016. “Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling.” American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics 5(1): 1–4. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11

Jallad, S.T., Mujahed, A., Al-Zeer, I., Samman, S., Al-Qaisi, T., Abu-Tair, S, Dabbous, D.A. and Bada N. “Mobile Learning Application Usability and Self-efficacy Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Clinical Practice: A Cross-sectional Study.” Digital Health 11:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076251393399 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076251393399

Johnson, S.G., Titlestad, K.B., Larun, L., Ciliska, D. and Olsen, N.R. 2021. “Experiences with Using a Mobile Application for Learning Evidence-based Practice in Health and Social Care Education: An Interpretive Descriptive Study.” Plos One 16(7): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254272 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254272

Kenny, L.T., Gaston, T., Powers, K, and Isaac-Dockery, A. 2020. “Anxiety in Nursing Students: The Impact of Using Mobile Technology with Quick Response Codes.” Nurse Education Today 89: 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104382 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104382

Lau, C., and Kolli, V. 2017. “App use in Psychiatric Education: A Medical Student Survey.” Academic Psychiatry 41: 68–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-016-0630-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-016-0630-z

Li, K.C., Lee, L.Y., Wong, S., Yau, I.S. and Wong, B.T. 2019. “Evaluation of Mobile Learning for the Clinical Practicum in Nursing Education: Application of the Frame Model.” Journal of Computing in Higher Education 31: 290–310. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-019-09213-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-019-09213-2

Lin, H.H., Lin, S., Yeh, C.H and Wang, Y.S. 2016. “Measuring Mobile Learning Readiness: Scale Development and Validation.” Internet Research 26(1): 265–87. https://doi.org/10.1108/IntR-10-2014-0241 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IntR-10-2014-0241

Lobos, K., Sáez-Delgado, F., Bruna, D., Cobo-Rendon, R. and Diaz-Mujica, A. 2021. “Design, Validity and Effect of an Intra-curricular Program for Facilitating Self-regulation of Learning Competences in University Students with the Support of the 4Planning app.” Education Sciences 11(449): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11080449 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11080449

McCutcheon, K. and Lohan, M. 2017. “A Logic Model Approach to the Development of an Educational app.” Nursing management 24(5): 31–35. https://doi.org/10.7748/nm.2017.e1611 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/nm.2017.e1611

Mota, N.P., Vieira, C.M.A., Nascimento, M.N.R., Bezerra, A.M., Quirino, G.S. and Felix, N.D.C. 2019. “Mobile Application for the Teaching of the International Classification for Nursing Practice.” Rev Bras Enferm 72(4): 1020–1027. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0751 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0751

Nieswiadomy, R.M. and Bailey, C. 2018. Foundations of Nursing Research. 7th Ed. Boston: Pearson.

O'Connor, S. and Andrews, T. 2018. “Smartphones and Mobile Applications in Clinical Nursing Education: A Student Perspective.” Nurse education today 69: 172–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.07.013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2018.07.013

Özkütük, N., Orgun, F. and Baysan, A. 2021. “The Readiness of Nursing Students for Mobile Learning: A Cross-sectional Study.” Contemporary Nurse 57(3-4): 202–212. https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2021.1987940 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2021.1987940

Pimmer, C., Brysiewicz, P., Linxen, S., Walters, F., Chipps, J. and Gröhbiel, U. 2014. “Informal Mobile Learning in Nurse Education and Practice in Remote Areas. A Case Study from Rural South Africa.” Nurse Education Today 34 (2014): 1398–1404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2014.03.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2014.03.013

South African Nursing Council. 2023. “Statistics.” Pretoria, South Africa.

Strandell-Laine, C., Leino-Kilpi, H., Loyttyniemi, E., Salminen, L., Stolt, M., Suomi, R and Saarikoski, M. 2019. “A Process Evaluation of a Mobile Cooperation Intervention: A Mixed Methods Study.” Nurse Education Today 80: 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.05.037 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.05.037

Taherdoost, H. 2017. “Determining Sample Size: How to Calculate Survey Sample Size.” International Journal of Economics and Management Systems 2: 237–239.

Tenner, A.G., Greenberg, A.L., Nicholaus, P., Rose, C.C., Addo, N., Shari, C.R., Friedman, A., George, U.N., Losak, M.J., Mfinanga, J.A. and Sawe, H.R. 2022. “Mobile Application Adjunct to the WHO Basic Emergency Care Course: A Mixed Methods Study.” BMJ Open 12:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056763 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056763

Yalcinkaya, T. and Yucel, S.C. 2022. “Determination of Nursing Students’ Attitudes Toward and Readiness for Mobile Learning: A Cross-sectional Study.” Nurse Education Today 120(105652):1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105652. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105652

Zhao, Y., Sánchez Gómez, M.C., Pinto Llorente, A.M. and Zhao, L. 2021. “Digital Competence in Higher Education: Students’ Perception and Personal factors.” Sustainability 13(21): 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112184 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112184