The Influence of Nurses' Cultural Sensitivity on Improving Healthcare Experiences of Syrian Refugees in Türkiye

Background: Syrian refugees, in particular, face obstacles such as language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. Nurses play a key role in ensuring equitable and satisfactory care for these patients. Aim: the aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the care satisfaction of Syrian refugees receiving hospital care and the cultural sensitivity of nurses. Methods: This study investigates the relationship between nurses' intercultural sensitivity and Syrian refugee patients' care satisfaction. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 191 nurses in a university hospital and 200 Syrian refugee patients. Nurses' intercultural sensitivity was assessed using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS), which includes dimensions such as interaction engagement, respect for cultural differences, and interaction confidence. Patient satisfaction was measured using the Newcastle Nursing Care Satisfaction Scale (NNCSS). Results: Although no direct causal link was established, the correlation suggests that cultural sensitivity plays a meaningful role in patient perception of care. Nurses with more work experience scored higher on ISS subscales, especially in respect for cultural differences and interaction confidence, indicating that experience enhances intercultural skills. Interestingly, patient characteristics such as income and education level did not significantly influence care satisfaction, highlighting that interpersonal factors may outweigh socioeconomic ones in shaping patient experiences. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need for intercultural sensitivity training for nurses to improve refugee care experiences. Cultural competence should be prioritized to reduce disparities and promote equitable healthcare.