Neonatal nurses’ perceptions of providing palliative care in neonatal intensive care units in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

There is limited literature on the perceptions and practices of nurses in Saudi Arabia related to neonatal palliative care (NPC). This study aimed to assess NPC perceptions and practices among female nurses in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between May and October 2025. The inclusion criteria for this study were nurses working in neonatal intensive care units in Saudi Arabia, regardless of the level of care provided. Factors associated with higher perception scores were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. A total of 170 nurses were included in this study. The majority worked in the governmental sector (148, 87.6%). Most participants reported that their institutions had formal NPC guidelines (142, 83.5%). Perception scores showed a significant difference by nurses’ education level (P = .01). Nurses with a bachelor’s degree or lower reported a mean score of 85.16 ± 16.64, whereas those with a master’s degree or PhD had a mean score of 71.44 ± 31.30 (P-value = .02). Participants aged between 30 and 40 years showed lower odds of attitude (adjusted odds ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.11–1.00, P = .05), which was borderline significant. This study assessed NPC among nurses in neonatal intensive care units in different settings in Saudi Arabia. The results suggested the importance of education in both NPC awareness and practice. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Improving nurses’ knowledge and skills may lead to better palliative care for neonates and their families.