Sociocultural Factors Related to Work Ethics among Nurses: A Quantitative Study in Ilam, Iran

Abstract

Background: Nurses constantly deal with ethical concerns, as their decisions may cause irreversible consequences for the patients. This study aimed to investigate work ethics among nurses, based on Weber’s theory of work ethics. Methods: In this quantitative cross sectional survey, data were collected using the multidimensional work ethics profile. Cronbach’s alpha and face validity were applied for measuring the reliability and validity of the questionnaire, respectively (total Cronbach’s alpha, 0.82). Considering the total sample size of the study (n, 283), including all active nurses of public hospitals across Ilam, Iran, no sampling method was applied and data were collected through whole counting. Results: A direct significant correlation was observed between work ethics and religious identity (P = 0.000), as well as work ethics and use of media (P = 0.01). In addition, there was a significant gender difference in work ethics, as female nurses showed higher work ethics (P = 0.038). However, there was no significant difference among nurses with different educational levels in terms of work ethics; similar findings were reported for other variables, such as income, work experience, and marital status. Based on the regression analysis, religious identity, use of media, and social class could explain 15.9% of variance in the dependent variable (work ethics). Conclusions: Religion plays an important role in work ethics among nurses. In addition, media encouragement to work and create wealth may motivate nurses to work harder and enhance their work ethics. Nurses from higher social classes generally decentralize work in their lives and consequently have poorer work ethics. In addition, it seems that gender discrimination against men in nursing has a negative impact on their work ethics.