Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Healthcare communication, Language

Abstract

Language plays a crucial role in healthcare communication, influencing patient outcomes, professional ethics, and legal standards. This study examines the awareness levels of De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) students regarding language of bias in healthcare and its ethico-moral and legal implications. This is a descriptive-analytical quantitative study, which aimed to assess DLSMHSI students' awareness of the language of bias in healthcare across different demographic groups. Structured surveys were administered to 378 students across 11 academic programs. The study surveyed healthcare students, primarily from Medicine (24.9%) and Nursing (23%), with many respondents being female (69.3%) and the majority Catholic (82.8%). Results indicate that healthcare students were generally aware of language of bias (M = 2.07); however, their awareness varied by type, with the highest awareness in racial bias (M = 1.57) and the lowest awareness in ageism (M = 2.82). While the respondents’ awareness of ethical implications was strong (M = 1.68), knowledge of specific legal frameworks varied, highlighting the need for enhanced legal education and targeted training to promote inclusive communication in clinical practice. Healthcare students were generally aware of language of bias, with the highest awareness observed in racial bias. Meanwhile, ageism had the lowest awareness, indicating a need for greater emphasis on addressing condescending language toward elderly patients. Significant differences in awareness were observed based on gender and socioeconomic status, emphasizing the need to integrate non discriminatory language education into healthcare curricula, reinforce institutional policies, and implement targeted training to promote ethical and respectful communication in healthcare.

First Advisor

Alely S. Reyes, RN, MAN, PhD

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