BACKGROUND:
It is vital to understand the factors that influence intercultural sensitivity and xenophobia among midwifery students in order to create a respectful healthcare environment.

OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study is to examine the factors that influence intercultural sensitivity and xenophobia among midwifery students.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional design was used to analyse the experiences of undergraduate students in Kahramanmaraş and Karabük. Although a minimum sample size of 308 was determined, data were ultimately collected from 665 female students aged 21–23. Face-to-face interviews were conducted, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Variables that reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) were examined further through multiple linear regression.

RESULTS:
Of the participants, 53.5% were foreign nationals, 0.6% were married, and 48.7% had completed the intercultural midwifery course. The mean Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) score was 77.57 ± 8.91, while the mean Xenophobia Scale score was 51.01 ± 12.61. Higher ISS scores were positively associated with age and urban residence, while they were negatively associated with having lived abroad, having immigrant friends, being in a higher academic year, limited interaction with immigrant neighbors, and higher levels of xenophobia. Completing an intercultural course positively influenced ISS scores (B = 2.491). Xenophobia levels were significantly lower among older students (B = -3.076), students living in urban areas (B = -3.186), students who had participated in an intercultural course (B = -3.028), students who had provided care to migrant patients (B = -3.000) and students who had migrant friends (B = -2.289). A higher ISS score predicted lower levels of xenophobia (B = -0.193).

CONCLUSIONS:
Promoting intercultural interaction and enhancing intercultural education can effectively reduce xenophobia among midwifery students, equipping them to become culturally competent health professionals.

KEY MESSAGE:
It is vital to incorporate intercultural education into midwifery education to nurture healthcare providers who are inclusive and culturally sensitive. Education - cultural safety