Predictors of Moral Distress Among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Vladimír Siska1, Andrea Sollárová2, Zuzana Slezáková1
1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Health Professional Studies, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, 833 03 Bratislava, Slovakia.
Summary
Understanding nurse moral distress is key to preventing burnout. Key predictors include personal accomplishment, self-distraction, continuous shifts, burnout, and religiosity, impacting distress frequency and intensity.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Psychology
Background:
- Moral distress negatively impacts nurses' mental health and job satisfaction.
- Preventing burnout and attrition is crucial for maintaining a stable nursing workforce.
- Identifying predictors of moral distress is essential for developing targeted support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictors of moral distress among nurses.
- To differentiate predictors for the frequency versus intensity of moral distress.
- To inform interventions aimed at improving nurses' well-being and patient care.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Sample of 412 nurses from 11 Slovak hospitals.
- Modified Moral Distress Scale and linear regression analysis.
Main Results:
- Frequency of moral distress predicted by personal accomplishment, self-distraction, continuous shifts, and emotional burnout.
- Intensity of moral distress predicted by personal accomplishment, self-distraction, and religiosity/spirituality.
- Personal accomplishment and self-distraction were significant for both frequency and intensity.
Conclusions:
- Nurses' personal accomplishment and coping strategies significantly influence moral distress.
- Religiosity and spirituality may serve as adaptive coping mechanisms for distress intensity.
- Understanding these predictors can guide interventions to enhance nurse satisfaction and patient care quality.
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