Exploring the relationship between spiritual well-being and respect for patient privacy among nurses and midwives in Turkey.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between of nurses and midwives spiritual well-being and respect for patient privacy.

Methods: The target population of this descriptive research consisted of nurses and midwives employed in healthcare institutions in a district located in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. The data were collected from 494 nurses and midwives between January 18 and April 29, 2022 using a demographic information form, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and the Patient Privacy Scale.

Results: The sample consisted of 494 participants, 422 (85.4%) females and 72 (14.6%) males. The findings revealed that the midwives had significantly higher levels of respect for patient privacy and spiritual well-being than the nurses. Moreover, the participants' spiritual well-being and respect for patient privacy were positively correlated with age and clinical experience but negatively associated with weekly working hours.

Conclusions: In light of these findings, increasing midwives' and nurses' awareness of spiritual well-being and patient privacy through formal education, in-service training, drama activities, and case analyses can contribute to improving the quality of care. In further research, it may be recommended to evaluate the perceptions, opinions and practices of midwives and nurses regarding patient privacy and spiritual well-being.