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. 2025 Sep-Oct:84:156-162.
doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.027. Epub 2025 May 31.

Factors influencing the caring self-efficacy of pediatric nurses in Saudi Arabia: A focus on children with congenital anomalies

Eslam Reda Machaly  1 , Azza Ismail Ismail Elsayed  2 , Eman Elsayed Bauomey Mohamed  3 , Abdulhamid Khalifa Alanazi  4 , Sameer A Alkubati  5 , Ayman Mohamed El-Ashry  6
Affiliations

Factors influencing the caring self-efficacy of pediatric nurses in Saudi Arabia: A focus on children with congenital anomalies

Eslam Reda Machaly et al. J Pediatr Nurs. 2025 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Background: Pediatric nurses in Saudi Arabia face rising congenital anomaly cases, demanding strong emotional resilience and high self-efficacy due to sociocultural factors.

Objective: To identify the factors influencing the caring self-efficacy of pediatric nurses in Saudi Arabia who care for children with congenital anomalies.

Design and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 134 pediatric nurses working in three hospitals using the Pediatric Ward Nurses Caring Self-Efficacy Scale.

Results: Significant associations between sociodemographic factors and caring self-efficacy. Female nurses reported higher scores across all domains of self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Married nurses demonstrated significantly higher self-efficacy compared to single nurses (p-values ranging from 0.001 to 0.012). Nurses with a bachelor's degree exhibited higher self-efficacy than those with technical diplomas (p-values ranging from 0.001 to 0.005). Multiple regression analysis indicated that being female (β = 42.709, p < 0.001) and holding a bachelor's degree (β = 45.000, p < 0.001) were robust predictors of increased caring self-efficacy.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of sociodemographic factors in shaping nurses' confidence and competence in caring for children with congenital anomalies. However, the explained variance suggests that other factors, such as workplace environment and organizational support, may also play a role.

Implications to practice: Continuing education, mentorship programs, and supportive work environments, to enhance self-efficacy among pediatric nurses were needed. By addressing these factors, healthcare systems in Saudi Arabia can improve the quality of care for children with congenital anomalies and foster a more resilient nursing workforce.

Keywords: Caring; Children; Congenital anomalies; Pediatric nurses; Saudi Arabia; Self-efficacy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.