PATIENT PERCEPTIONS OF CARING BEHAVIORS OF NURSES IN SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Caring behaviors of nurses are crucial for patient satisfaction and positive health outcomes. This study aimed to assess patient perceptions of caring behaviors of nurses in Saudi Arabia and identify associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 patients from three hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 (CBI-24) and a demographic questionnaire were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression were used for analysis.

Results: The overall mean CBI-24 score was 5.38 (SD=0.78), indicating a high level of perceived caring. "Knowledge and Skill" had the highest subscale score (M=5.54, SD=0.74), while "Positive Connectedness" had the lowest (M=5.21, SD=0.99). Female, older, and more educated patients reported significantly higher scores. Age, gender, and education significantly predicted caring perceptions, explaining 28.4% of the variance.

Conclusion: Nurses in Saudi Arabia generally demonstrate high levels of caring, but there is room for improvement in positive connectedness. Patient characteristics influence perceptions of caring, underlining the importance of personalized and culturally competent care. The findings can inform nursing education and practice to enhance patient experience and care quality in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords: Caring behaviors, nursing, patient perceptions, Saudi Arabia, cross-sectional study