Perceptions of spirituality and predictors of competence in spiritual care among nursing students in five middle eastern countries: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Spiritual Care is integral to holistic nursing; however, it often remains underprovided due to a lack of education. Objective: This study examined perceptions of spirituality and predictors of competence in spiritual care among nursing students in Middle Eastern countries. Design: A cross-sectional survey was used. Participant/setting: Nursing students (n = 785) from five universities in Middle Eastern countries were included. Methods: Participants completed the Spiritual Care-Giving Scale-Arabic and Spiritual Care Competency Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of perceived competence in spiritual care. Results: Nursing students showed positive attitudes towards spirituality, with a mean score of 5.1 (SD = 0.60) on the Spiritual Care-Giving Scale-Arabic. However, their perceived competence in providing spiritual care was low to moderate with a mean score of 79.0 (SD = 32.0) on the Spiritual Care Competency Scale. The bivariate analysis indicated significant relationships between students' spiritual care competence and gender, previous exposure to spirituality education, willingness to undergo spirituality training, and total spirituality score. Finally, significant predictors of higher competence included regular admission status, prior spiritual education, willingness to undergo spiritual care training, and higher personal spirituality scores. Conclusion: Nursing students in the Middle East have positive attitudes towards spirituality, but low to moderate competence in providing spiritual care. The influence of personal spirituality on competence underscores the importance of fostering a supportive environment for students to reflect on their beliefs. Comprehensive curriculum revisions and training programs, along with the recognition of the impact of personal spirituality, are essential to prepare future nurses for holistic people's care.