Patient experiences of opposite gender nurse–patient interactions at public health facilities in Namibia

Background: The imbalance in nurse-to-patient ratio and shortage of nurses is the main drive for care provision by a nurse of the opposite gender. On the other hand, while nurses must recognise and respect the role of patients as partners, the nurse–patient relationship with the opposite gender in Namibia is limited because of the cultural and religious beliefs. Objectives: To explore and describe patients’ experiences on opposite gender nurse–patient interactions at selected public health facilities in Namibia. Method: An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed to collect data from 14 purposively recruited patients who received care from nurses of opposite gender between June 2022 and September 2022. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research reporting guideline. Results: Two major themes emerged: (1) barriers to opposite-gender nurse–patient interactions, which include culturally insensitive care, gender-related privacy concerns, and age-insensitive care; and (2) strategies to improve nurse–patient interactions, describing the strategies to promote privacy and patient comfort, create a safe space for disclosure and implement gender-concordant care to address the identified barriers. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that patients had negative experiences with opposite gender nurse–patient interactions. The study recommends the provision of privacy, creating a safe space for disclosure and providing gender-concordant care to create trust and improved satisfaction with nursing care. Contribution: The study provides essential insights into the cultural nuances of opposite gender nurse–patient interactions within the public health sector.