Authors : Nkanu, Nkanu Ovai; Ikade Etunlube Martins; Tawo, Sarah Obi; Njagu, Francisca Mbua

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5ysckuw7

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2p8yd2a4

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun792

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Consistent gender disparities in nursing education have generated concerns regarding workforce sustainability, diversity, and equitable participation in healthcare professions. While nursing remains one of the most sought-after healthrelated careers among young people, evidence suggests that expressed interest does not always translate into actual enrolment, particularly among male candidates. This study investigated gendered career conversion gaps in nursing education across nursing and health training institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined disparities between career interest and enrolment, institutional influences on career decisions, counselling support mechanisms, socio-cultural determinants, and the implications of enrolment patterns for future health workforce development. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was adopted. The population comprised 16,550 students enrolled in nursing and allied health institutions in Cross River State. A sample of 1,200 respondents was selected using multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Gender and Nursing Career Conversion Questionnaire (GNCCQ) and semi-structured interview schedules. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, chi-square, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative responses were analysed thematically. Findings revealed a significant gender gap between nursing career interest and actual enrolment, with male students demonstrating lower conversion rates despite expressing moderate interest in nursing careers. Institutional image, parental expectations, perceived social prestige, counselling exposure, and gender stereotypes significantly predicted enrolment decisions. Regression analysis showed that counselling support and institutional climate jointly explained 48.6% of variance in enrolment conversion. Qualitative findings indicated persistent perceptions of nursing as a predominantly female profession. The study concludes that addressing gendered career conversion gaps requires integrated counselling interventions, public awareness campaigns, institutional reforms, and gender-inclusive recruitment policies. Recommendations are made for educational plans, nursing councils, and policymakers. career conversion gap, enrolment decisions, health workforce, counselling, Cross River State.

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