Sociodemographic and work-related aspects of moral distress in Brazilian nurses

Abstract

Objective: Analyze associations between moral distress and sociodemographic and work-related characteristics of Brazilian nurses. Methods: Cross-sectional study developed across the Brazilian territory between November 2015 and May 2016, in a sample of 1227 nurses, based on the application of the Brazilian Moral Distress Scale in Nurses (EDME-Br), by means of an electronic questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the analysis. Results: Statistically significant associations were established in all six factors, namely: 1. Recognition, power and personal identity; 2. Safe and qualified care; 3. Defense of values and rights; 4. Working conditions; 5. Ethical infringements; 6. Work teams. The variables with the largest number of associations were: hour load; graduate degree, nature of service care/complexity, nature, type and duration of employment bond. The role of experience and enhanced education in higher perceived and/or experienced moral distress stood out. Conclusion: The range of the study and the diversity of the context reveal specificities in the occurrence of moral distress in the Brazilian context, highlighting the need to discover elements that play a role in the nurses’ moral experience.