Factors associated with users' perception of the expression of help from nursing professionals

Abstract

Introduction: The expression of help is an essential practice performed by nursing professionals. This type of assistance is considered an important dimension that has been evaluated among the ethical behaviors that nurses must adopt in the practice of care. Objective: To evaluate the factors associated with users’ perceptions regarding the nurse’s expression of help in a public hospital in Norte de Santander, Colombia. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional observational correlational study was conducted. Results: Of the 385 patients analyzed, 61.56% were women and 38.44% were men. All participants perceived the help-expression practices unfavorably in the evaluated items, which ranged between 82% and 92.50% in the "Never" category. Educational level, marital status, and religious affiliation showed statistical significance with two (2) of the evaluated items. Conclusions: Participants perceived negatively the nurse’s help-expression practices. Strengthening communication competencies and adherence to the ethical and professional regulatory framework is recommended.