Patient Trust of the Muslim Nurse

Abstract

This quantitative study examined patients' trust of a nurse who represents the Muslim faith by wearing the hijab. Presumptions about nurse trustworthiness based on religious affiliation may impede the effectiveness of the nurse-patient relationship and diminish the ability of nursing care to promote patient's feelings of well-being. Hospitalized participants were randomly given a picture of a nurse either wearing the hijab or not. They completed a survey to measure their level of trust considering the nurse in the picture. No difference was found in trust of the nurse between groups or in trust analyzed for between-group characteristics. In the hijab picture group, the older the patient, the lower the trust of the nurse. The results may reflect the general trust of nurses as an ethical and honest professional group. A high level of general trust may transcend stereotypes toward a Muslim nurse.