Exploration of the Association Between Religious Affiliation and Attitude Toward Spiritual Care in Clinical Nurses.

Background Religion is an important cultural asset that is known to affect the thoughts, behaviors, and lifestyles of individuals. However, the impact of religious affiliation, religious activities, and religious beliefs on the attitudes of nurses toward providing spiritual care to their patients is an issue that has been inadequately explored. Purposes The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between religion (including religious affiliation, religious activities, and religious beliefs) and attitude toward spiritual care in clinical nurses. Methods This study used a cross-sectional correlation study design. Six hundred nineteen nurses were included as participants. The measurements used included a questionnaire on religious affiliation, religious activities, and religious beliefs; the Spiritual Health Scale-Short Form; the Spiritual Care Attitude Scale; and a sociodemographic datasheet. The study employed hierarchical regression modeling to establish the relationships between the aspects and degrees of religious belief and practice as well as the attitudes of participants toward spiritual care. Results Most of the participants participated infrequently in religious activities. After controlling for demographic variables and spiritual health, religious belief was found to be an important factor impacting participants' attitudes toward providing spiritual care.