Malahayati International Journal of Nursing and Health Science
Vol. 9 No. 5 (2026): Volume 9 Number 5

Nursing students’ experiences of developing multicultural leadership in community-based HIV/AIDS programs in Papua

Edison Kabak (Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Jayapura)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Cultural diversity in health care, particularly within HIV/AIDS programs in Papuan communities, necessitates that nursing students develop leadership skills sensitive to variations in values, beliefs, and community practices. Cultivating multicultural leadership is therefore a critical component in strengthening the professional competence of future nurses. Purpose: To examine the experiences of nursing students in developing multicultural leadership during the implementation of HIV/AIDS programs in Papuan communities. Method: A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted among 12 nursing students using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method. Results: Five major themes emerged: (1) multicultural awareness as the foundation of leadership; (2) adaptation processes in culturally diverse settings; (3) the role of mentors in leadership development; (4) communication challenges in community practice; and (5) the formation of culturally sensitive leadership. Field experiences were found to play a pivotal role in shaping students’ multicultural leadership competencies. Conclusion: Multicultural leadership among nursing students develops through experiential learning, reflection, and community engagement. Integrating culture-based learning into nursing curricula is essential to prepare students for the complexities of delivering health services in diverse populations.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

minh

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Nursing Public Health

Description

Malahayati International Journal of Nursing and Health Science is a peer-reviewed journal and provides a platform to publish areas of nursing and health science. The journal also seeks to advance the quality of research by publishing papers introducing or elaborating on new methods in nursing and ...