Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare nursing service experiences and perceptions of nurses between urban and rural areas in Cambodia, and to provide baseline evidence for improving nursing education and health workforce strategies. Research design, data and methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaires administered to 100 community residents from Phnom Penh (urban) and Kampong Speu (rural). The questionnaire assessed participants’ experiences of receiving nursing services, perceived roles and professionalism of nurses, and accessibility of healthcare resources. Results: The findings indicated meaningful regional differences in the utilization of nursing services and the perceived availability of nursing care. Participants in the urban area reported relatively higher exposure to nursing services and more frequent interactions with nurses, while rural participants experienced greater limitations related to healthcare access and service continuity. Perceptions regarding the scope of nursing roles also differed by region, reflecting variations in local healthcare infrastructure and human resource distribution. Overall, the study highlights persistent disparities between urban and rural settings in Cambodia in terms of nursing service experience and recognition of nursing functions. Conclusion: These results imply that policy efforts should prioritize strengthening rural nursing capacity, expanding access to basic nursing services, and establishing standardized nursing education and practice guidelines to reduce regional gaps and enhance quality of care.