Cultural sensitivity and associated factors among nurses in southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Because of the rapidly rising cultural diversity, the ability to recognize cultural diversity is extremely important to all healthcare professionals, especially to nurses. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the cultural sensitivity of nurses in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess cultural sensitivity and associated factors among nurses working at Jimma Medical Center, Oromia Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods Health-facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 nurses selected by simple random sampling from May 20th to June 20th, 2020. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solution Version 26.0. Bivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to select variables for the final model. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with cultural sensitivity. Statistical significance was declared at $$p\leq$$0.05, and adjusted odds ratio with respective 95% CI was used to report significant covariates. Results Out of the total sample, 236 nurses participated in this study, giving a response rate of 96.72%. Nurses who were culturally sensitive while delivering routine nursing services were found to be 40.3% (95% CI (34.3, 46.6)). Level of education ([AOR (95% CI)], [4.846 (1.188, 19.773)]), interpersonal communication ([AOR (95% CI)], [4.749 (1.334, 16.909)]), and intercultural communication ([AOR (95% CI)], [51.874 (13.768, 195.45)]) were positively and significantly associated with the cultural sensitivity of nurses. Conclusion Cultural sensitivity is found to be low in the study area. Increasing level of education, effective interpersonal communication abilities, and intercultural communication abilities positively predict cultural sensitivity of nurses. It is helpful for nurses to improve their knowledge of transcultural nursing theories and cultural understanding.