Moral Distress and It’s Associated Factors Among Oncology Unit Nurses: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
akhlāq-i pizishkī i.e., Medical Ethics,
Vol. 19 (1404),
25 September 2025
,
Page 1-11
https://doi.org/10.22037/mej.v19i-.50962
Abstract
Background and Aim: Moral distress refers to the psychological discomfort that arises when nurses recognize the ethically appropriate course of action but are unable to act accordingly due to organizational or systemic constraints. It represents a substantial component of occupational stress in nursing practice. This study aimed to determine the frequency and intensity of moral distress and to examine its associated factors among nurses working in oncology units of teaching hospitals in Mashhad in 2025.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 100 nurses employed in oncology units of teaching hospitals in Mashhad were recruited using a two-stage cluster and convenience sampling approach. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Moral Distress Scale-Revised (MDS-R). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 26. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and appropriate inferential tests were applied to examine associations between variables.
Ethical Considerations: Participation was voluntary, and principles of confidentiality and non-maleficence, as well as established ethical standards, were strictly maintained. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, and the research was conducted in accordance with its oversight.
Results: Of the 100 participants, 65% (n=65) were female and 35% (n=35) were male. The mean age was 34.1±7.96 years. The mean score for the frequency of moral distress was 41.09±17.32, while the mean intensity score was 48.84±18.13. Notably, 59% of nurses reported an intention to leave the nursing profession. No statistically significant differences were found between male and female nurses regarding the frequency or intensity of moral distress (p>0.05). Furthermore, age and years of professional experience demonstrated weak and non-significant correlations with both frequency and intensity of moral distress (r <0.2, p>0.05).
Conclusion: The elevated levels of moral distress and the substantial proportion of oncology unit nurses in Mashhad expressing an intention to leave the profession underscore the urgent need for organizational-level interventions within these settings. Future research should further examine organizational and individual determinants of moral distress to inform targeted strategies aimed at sustaining the oncology-nursing workforce.
- moral distress
- Nurses
- Oncology Units
How to Cite
References
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