Student Perceptions of and Attitudes towards Academic Integrity Policies at an Omani University: Do healthcare students differ from others?

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate Omani university students' perceptions of and attitudes towards academic integrity policies through a comparison between healthcare (nursing and medicine) and non-healthcare students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted during the 2018-2019 academic year wherein students were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Data were collected from nine colleges at Sultan Qaboos University and analysed.

Results: A total of 579 students completed the questionnaire (response rate: 90%). The results revealed that healthcare students have a significantly higher perception of and better attitudes towards academic integrity policies compared to their non-healthcare counterparts.

Conclusion: The results of this study should motivate faculty to foster better understanding and implementation of the honour code to encourage an environment of academic integrity for students.

Keywords: Attitude; Ethics Code; Oman; Perception; Students; University.