Ethical Sensitivity and Empathy among Nursing Students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences: A Correlational Study

Authors

  • Maede Ghadermazi hamadan university of medical sciences
  • Efat Sadeghian Hamadan University of Medical Sciences
  • Farshid Shamsaei Hamadan University of Medical Sciences
  • Leili Tapak Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/11593

Keywords:

ethical sensitivity, empathy, nursing student, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Ethical sensitivity affects the moral performance and relationship of nursing students with their clients. On the other hand, moral burnout may be associated with reduced empathy during their training course. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between moral sensitivity and empathy for clients among nursing students. In this correlational study, 200 nursing students were randomly selected from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in 2020 and completed demographic questionnaires based on Lutzen’s concept of moral sensitivity and Jefferson’s scale of empathy. Data were analysed by means of a t-test, one-way analysis of variance and a Pearson correlation coefficient using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-24). The mean age of the nursing students was 23 ± 2.5 years, and most of them were male (60%) and in the fourth academic year (39.5%). The mean score of moral sensitivity was 88.9 ± 9.9, and students’ empathy was 92.3 ± 6.5. There was a direct and significant correlation between the variables (P = 0.001, r = 0.392). Also, a significant and indirect correlation was observed between the number of semesters passed and the degree of empathy shown to clients (P = 0.037, r = -0.14). Moral sensitivity among nursing students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences is desirable, and there is a relationship between moral sensitivity and showing empathy to clients. It was also revealed that students’ empathy levels towards clients decrease with increasing semesters. Decreasing the amount of empathy over time can affect the care of patients, so this component can be given more attention in the training of future nurses.

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Author Biographies

Efat Sadeghian, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

Chronic Diseases (Home Care) Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

Farshid Shamsaei, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

Leili Tapak, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseseases Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

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Published

2022-09-27

How to Cite

Ghadermazi, Maede, Efat Sadeghian, Farshid Shamsaei, and Leili Tapak. 2022. “Ethical Sensitivity and Empathy Among Nursing Students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences: A Correlational Study”. Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery 24 (2):13 pages. https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/11593.

Issue

Section

Articles
Received 2022-06-29
Accepted 2022-08-07
Published 2022-09-27