Cultural Competence and Loneliness: Unveiling Hidden Connections Among Saudi Nurses

Cultural competence is essential in nursing, enabling the delivery of ethical, patient-centered, and respectful care that respects diverse cultural backgrounds in an increasingly diverse healthcare setting. Improving cultural competence can substantially reduce stereotyping, time pressure, and distress among nurses.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between cultural competence and loneliness among nurses working at a university medical city in Saudi Arabia and to identify associated demographic and psychological factors.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 184 nurses. Data were collected via an online questionnaire that included the Cultural Capacity Scale, the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 between April and May 2024. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear regression were used in the data analysis.

Findings indicate high cultural competence (mean score: 78.82) but moderate loneliness (mean score: 11.9). Notably, a strong negative correlation exists between cultural competence and feelings of loneliness (r = -0.777) and anxiety/depression (r = -0.818), suggesting that increased cultural competence is associated with lower loneliness and mental health issues.

Both cultural knowledge and sensitivity emerged as significant predictors of lower anxiety and depression levels. These findings highlight the association between cultural competence and reduced loneliness and psychological distress among nurses, suggesting the need for targeted training interventions to improve nurses' well-being and the quality of patient-centered care in culturally diverse healthcare settings.