"Exploring the Soul of Care: A Cross-Sectional Study on Spirituality, Spiritual Care, and Perceived Spiritual Well-Being Among Nurses in Selected Hospitals of the UAE"

Abstract

Introduction

Spiritual care is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of holistic healthcare. Addressing patients’ spiritual needs enhances emotional well-being, coping, and overall quality of care. Nurses play a key role in integrating spirituality into practice, making it important to understand their spirituality, perspectives on spiritual care, and spiritual well-being.

Objectives

The present study aimed to assess the levels of spirituality, perception of spiritual care, and perceived spiritual well-being among nurses in selected hospitals in the UAE; to determine the association between socio-demographic variables and spirituality and spiritual care perspectives; and to identify significant predictors influencing nurses’ perception of spiritual care.

Method

A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The research was conducted among 120 nurses working in selected hospitals in the UAE. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic variables, the Spiritual Well-Being Assessment (SWBA), and the Nurse Spiritual Care Perspective Scale (NSCPS).

Results

A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 nurses using the Spiritual Well-Being Assessment (SWBA) and Nurse Spiritual Care Perspective Scale (NSCPS). Most participants were female (82.5%), aged between 31  to 40 years, with more than 10 years of professional experience. The findings revealed that 81% of nurses had moderate to high levels of spirituality, while 91% demonstrated above-average spiritual well-being. The mean scores for Spirituality, Spiritual Care, and Spiritual Well-being were 83.6, 38.7, and 62.68, respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between spirituality and perception of spiritual care (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of integrating spirituality into nursing practice to enhance holistic patient care. Higher levels of spirituality among nurses are associated with better perceptions of spiritual care. Promoting spiritual awareness and support within healthcare settings may strengthen emotional resilience among nurses and contribute to improved patient outcomes.