Infection control is a critical component of nursing education, ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers. Gamification, which integrates game-based principles into educational activities, has emerged as a promising approach to improve student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes in healthcare education. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a gamified infection control education program on cognitive achievement, academic self-efficacy, and learning motivation among first-year nursing students. The study employed a randomized controlled trial design involving 60 first-year nursing students from a private university in Turkey. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=30) or a control group (n=30). The intervention group participated in a four-week Gamified Infection Control Program featuring physical games, case studies, and escape rooms. The control group received traditional lecture-based instruction. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Infection Control Cognitive Achievement Measurement Questions Form, the Academic Nurse Self-Efficacy Scale (ANSES), and the Learning Motivation Scale in Higher Education (EMAPRE-U). Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and regression analyses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First-year nursing students enrolled in a nursing program
• Students who have not previously completed formal infection control training
• Students who are willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Students with prior knowledge or certification in infection control practices
• Students who are unable to attend the full four-week program due to scheduling conflicts
• Students with any medical or psychological condition that would prevent full participation in study activities