Is There a Relationship Between Disgust Sensitivity and Caring Behaviours of Intensive Care Nurses?

Background: Disgust sensitivity, an intense reaction to aversive stimuli, may influence healthcare professionals' behaviours, particularly in critical care settings where nurses encounter bodily fluids and infections. Its impact on intensive care unit nurses remains underexplored.

Aim: This study investigated the relationship between disgust sensitivity and caregiving behaviours among intensive care unit nurses.

Study design: A descriptive, correlational study collected online data from November to December 2024 from 127 intensive care unit nurses in Turkey using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Revised Disgust Sensitivity Scale and Caring Behaviors Inventory-24. Data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests, reporting continuous variables as median (interquartile range, IQR) and categorical variables as counts and percentages.

Results: Over half of the nurses reported high disgust towards vomit (61.4%), faeces (52%) and sputum (50.4%), with higher sensitivity among females, those enjoying their job, and those working 40-48 h weekly. While no significant overall relationship was found between disgust sensitivity and caring behaviours, subgroup analyses revealed that nurses with high disgust towards sputum, faeces or vomit had significantly lower Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 scores in assurance, knowledge and skills, respect and connectedness (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that intensive care nurses often experience high levels of disgust, particularly towards bodily fluids, with variations based on gender, job satisfaction and working hours. While no significant overall relationship was found between disgust sensitivity and caring behaviours, specific disgust-eliciting situations (e.g., sputum, faeces, vomit) are associated with reduced caring scores in key domains. These findings highlight the need for future qualitative research and targeted training programmes to help nurses effectively manage disgust and sustain high-quality care.

Relevance to clinical practice: Assessing and addressing disgust sensitivity in intensive care unit nurses can enhance caregiving quality and emotional resilience, informing targeted training and support strategies.