The use of superstitions, in healthcare settings, is often
used to understand uncontrollable events. In order to describe the knowledge
and clinical relevance of superstitions, survey data were collected from
nursing staff who provide direct patient care. Using a research-based,
study-specific survey, the aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and
clinical relevance of superstitions among
nurses who provide direct patient care in a hospital setting. These data
were analyzed to describe the study population, along with their knowledge and
clinical relevance of superstitions, and compare the responses based on
self-disclosure of superstitiousness. Participants that described themselves as
superstitious reported a greater propensity for superstitions to be clinically
relevant. Less education and younger age increased one’s use of superstitions
in a clinical setting. The use of superstitions provides a coping mechanism for
healthcare providers and a format to explain and understand uncontrollable
events.
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