Nurses' cultural care competence in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: Associated factors and perceived effects on patients and nurses

Abstract

Background: Cultural competence in healthcare is crucial for providing patient-centered care, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing nurse-patient interactions, especially in diverse settings like Nigeria. Aim: This study aimed to assess the cultural care competence of nurses in a Nigerian tertiary hospital, exploring associated factors and its perceived impact on both patients and nurses. Methods: A crossectional descriptive design was used and a self-administered questionnaire with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.802 was used as an instrument of data collection. A total of 144 nurses were selected using a simple random technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The majority of nurses demonstrated above-average knowledge (86.1%) of cultural competence care. Most nurses reported high use (78.5%) of cultural competence practices. Knowledge of various cultures, cultural care awareness, cultural competence skills, cultural sensitivity, and cultural proficiency were identified as factors associated with cultural competence care. Nurses perceived cultural competence to positively impact patient outcomes, treatment adherence, and professional growth. Conclusion: This study highlights a positive awareness and use of cultural competence care among nurses. However, there is a need for continued efforts to address knowledge gaps and enhance cultural proficiency. Hospitals should integrate cultural competence into policies and provide training opportunities for nurses.