Relationship between Nurses' Moral Sensitivity and Job Stress in Kashan

Abstract

Objectives: Effective and ethical patient care is achieved when nurses base their practice on moral sensitivity. Nurses' work environment and occupational stress are among the factors that may influence moral sensitivity. This study was conducted to examine the association between moral sensitivity and occupational stress, as well as related factors, among nurses working in teaching hospitals affiliated with Kashan University of Medical Sciences.<br /> Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 using a stratified random sampling method among 350 nurses working in teaching hospitals of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire and the Hospital Job Stress Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (frequency distribution and measures of central tendency and dispersion) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance ANOVA, and independent t-test). Multiple linear regression analysis was also performed, and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.<br /> Results: The level of moral sensitivity among nurses was moderate, whereas job stress was at a high level. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between moral sensitivity and job stress, gender, and nurses' moral education (P < 0.05).<br /> Conclusion: The findings indicated a moderate level of moral sensitivity among nurses. Therefore, implementing ethics-related educational programs alongside strategies aimed at reducing occupational stress may enhance nurses' moral sensitivity and improve the quality of patient care.