Factors Related to Nurses' Attitude Towards Caring for Dying Patients at Hospital
Keywords:
Nurse, Attitude, Dying patients, HospitalAbstract
Background: Caring for dying patients involves addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. For nurses to provide quality care, developing positive attitudes toward end-of-life care is essential. Various factors, including demographic attributes, work-related conditions, work environment, and personal experiences, influence nurses’ attitudes. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with nurses’ attitudes toward caring for dying patients. Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was conducted at a Medical College Hospital with 103 nurses recruited using convenience sampling. The study instrument consisted of three parts: a socio-demographic questionnaire, a nurses' job-related characteristics form, and the Frommelt’s Attitude Toward Caring for Dying (FATCOD) Scale. Data analysis involved two-sample t-tests, ANOVA, and correlation tests. Results: The mean attitude score of nurses was 105.68 out of 150, indicating a moderately positive attitude. Nurses working in palliative care units (F = 4.298, P = .007) and those with prior experiences of losing a close one (t = 4.841, P = .000) demonstrated significantly higher positive attitudes compared to others. Additionally, nurses who were satisfied with their work (r = .367, P = .000) and had a supportive work environment (r = .393, P = .000) exhibited significantly higher positive attitudes. Conclusion: Nurses in palliative care units and those trained in end-of-life care showed more positive attitudes. Therefore, implementing training programs for all nurses is essential. Enhancing job satisfaction and improving the work environment are also crucial strategies for fostering positive attitudes toward caring for dying patients.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Refaya Mahmuda, Meherun Nesa, Jeong Sook Park (Author)
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