Factors Influencing Cultural Intelligence Among Nurses in Western Pacific Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To identify factors influencing cultural intelligence among nurses in Western Pacific countries. Background: Globalization drives policy development by considering various cultures at national, regional, and international levels; however, research on cultural intelligence among multinational nurses is limited. Cultural intelligence, the ability to interact effectively with culturally diverse colleagues and patients, is crucial in clinical practice. Thus, identifying its influencing factors is essential to improving cultural intelligence among nurses. Methods: This cross-sectional, cross-national study included 504 nurses from Western Pacific countries (South Korea, New Zealand, China, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Taiwan). Data were collected via an online survey and analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. This study was reported following the STROBE checklist. Results: Critical thinking, empathy, and cultural learning, such as in-class cultural learning and study-abroad experience, were identified as factors influencing cultural intelligence. Discussion: Given the evolving global dynamics, understanding diverse cultures is essential for effective policy formulation and implementation. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for healthcare institutions to implement structured educational programs to enhance nurses’ cultural intelligence. Implications for nursing and health policy: Training programs should integrate critical thinking, empathy, and cultural learning to enhance nurses’ cultural intelligence and capacity to care for diverse populations. Addressing healthcare provider biases through comprehensive training programs is essential to increase cultural intelligence. Beyond education and training programs focused on understanding and responding to the behaviors of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, policies that promote the assessment of client characteristics and support the recruitment of staff with similar cultural backgrounds will help improve the quality of programs and care. Organizational support and leadership are crucial for ensuring the success of policies promoting cultural intelligence.