Prediction of Psychological Distress Based on Job Security, Spiritual Intelligence, and Social Acceptance Among Nurses Working at the COVID-19 Referral Center of Zanjan Province in 2021

 Epidemic diseases such as Covid-19 can adversely affect job security and social status, thereby leading to psychological distress.

 The aim of the present study was to predict psychological turmoil among nurses working during Covid-19 pandemic based on job security, spiritual intelligence, and social acceptance.

 This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 210 nurses working at the Hazrat-e-Valiasr (AS) Hospital of Zanjan City between Farvardin and Khordad 2021. The participants were recruited by convenience sampling, and data were collected using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Nissi’s job security questionnaire, the spiritual intelligence scale developed by Naseri et al., and Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MC–SDS). Data analyses were conducted in SPSS software v. 23 using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression.

 The research findings indicated that nurses’ psychological distress amid Covid-19 pandemic significantly and inversely correlated with job security (r = 0.42, p<0.01), spiritual intelligence (r = 0.43, p<0.01), and social acceptance (r = 0.47, p<0.01). Also, social acceptance (r = 6.27, p < 0.01), job security (r= 4.71, p < 0.01), and spiritual intelligence (r = 4.29, p < 0.01) were able to predict psychological distress among nurses.

 Based on the results of the present study, it is suggested that the authorities of medical education organizations consider programs to familiarize nurses with Iran’s subcultures (such as religious beliefs, rituals, and obligations) to promote their cultural sensitivity, job security, and social acceptance. This can furthermore ensue with positive consequences such as the improvement of nurses’ quality of life, well-being, physical and mental health, job satisfaction, and life condition.