Ethics sensitivity among dialysis nurses in Jazan region: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Ethical sensitivity is defined as paying attention to ethical ideals in a conflict situation and being conscious of one’s own role and duty in that situation. One essential element of ethical conduct is the ability to recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas. Lack of or diminished ethical awareness is a breach of nursing’s professional obligation since it can lead to morally incongruent treatment. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the hemodialysis nurse’s ethical awareness in Jizan, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, based on these study criteria, we have enrolled 300 nurses from five different hospitals in Jizan, Saudi Arabia. During the epidemic, an online questionnaire study was distributed, and enrolled nurses signed an electronic consent form. Results: Data obtained were statistically analyzed. Clinical data include age (32.3 ± 5.5), gender (F: 78.7%-M: 21.3%), educational level (diploma/bachelor-48% and master/PhD-4%), experience (1-5 years = 28%, 6-10 years = 36%, 11-15 years = 24.7%, and above 15 years = 11.3%), and no nurses were found to be in nursing practice ethics. The total sensitivity rate was determined to be 107 ± 15.6. Caring by connecting with others (15.9 ± 3.1) and generating interpretation and options (16.2 ± 3.1) obtained the highest mean scores among the seven subscales. Taking others’ perspectives (14.4 ± 3.2) and identifying the repercussions of actions and options (14.8 ± 2.6) on the other hand. The study also discovered a statistically significant relationship between ethical sensitivity subscales and age, country, and years of experience. The relevance of generating interpretations and possibilities with age (P < 0.05), reading and expressing emotions and nationality (P < 0.05), and years of experience with reading and expressing emotions (P < 0.05) were specifically mentioned. Conclusion: This study concludes that hemodialysis nurses in Jizan have a high level of ethical sensitivity. This study suggests that future studies should focus on practicing, educating, and implementing a policy proposal that enhances hemodialysis nurses’ ethical awareness when providing nursing care.