The Relationship Between Nurses' Compassion Levels and Cultural Sensitivity, and Factors Affecting Their Cultural Sensitivity: A Cross-Sectional and Analytical Study.

BACKGROUND

Providing care with compassion to individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds is effective in overcoming barriers that arise due to cultural differences, supporting patient dignity, and improving care quality.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the relationship between nurses' levels of compassion and cultural sensitivity and to identify the factors influencing their cultural sensitivity.

METHODS

This descriptive correlational study was conducted between May and August 2024 in a state hospital with the participation of 184 nurses. Data were collected using the 'Nurse Demographics Form', the 'Compassion Scale', and the 'Intercultural Sensitivity Scale'.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participating nurses was 35.14 ± 07.48 years, with 65.8% of them being women. The mean score on the Compassion Scale was 95.99 ± 13.17, while the total mean score on the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale was 87.58 ± 12.62. It was found that compassion level (p < 0.001), having a friend from a different culture (p < 0.001), and the desire to be with people from different cultures (p < 0.001) had a statistically significant and positive effect on intercultural sensitivity. Similarly, thinking that one provides compassionate care to individuals from different cultures was also found to have a statistically significant and positive effect on intercultural sensitivity (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was found between nurses' levels of compassion and intercultural sensitivity (r = 0.489, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that nurses' levels of compassion are statistically significant and positively correlated with their willingness to engage with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as their ability to cultivate friendships with people from various cultures. Furthermore, it was determined that nurses' perceptions of delivering compassionate care positively influence their cultural sensitivity. Enhancing nurses' compassion levels and cultural sensitivity is vital for improving the quality of healthcare services.