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To explore how nurses facilitate social connectivity among older adults in virtual age-friendly communities in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia by serving as digital bridges and emotional anchors. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in enhancing digital literacy and reducing social isolation among older adults.
A qualitative study.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and August 2024 with 12 older adult participants and 10 nurse participants involved in virtual age-friendly community initiatives in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were analysed using a hybrid approach that combined deductive thematic analysis—guided by socio-technical systems theory and relationship-centred care principles—with inductive analysis to identify key themes related to digital facilitation, emotional support and social connectivity.
The findings indicate that nurse-led digital and emotional support significantly enhances older adults' digital literacy and emotional well-being, leading to improved social connectivity. Nurses acting as digital bridges provided essential technical guidance, while their role as emotional anchors offered empathetic support that mitigated feelings of isolation. However, challenges such as technical issues, resource limitations and cultural factors moderated the overall effectiveness of these interventions.
The study underscores the pivotal role of nurse-led interventions in promoting social connectivity among older adults in virtual settings. Future research should explore strategies to overcome technical and resource-related barriers and further integrate culturally sensitive approaches to optimise the benefits of digital health initiatives.
Healthcare practitioners and policymakers should prioritise the implementation of nurse-led digital and emotional support programmes to reduce social isolation and improve the overall quality of life for older adults. Culturally tailored interventions are essential to address the unique needs of ageing populations in the digital era.
The study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).
The insights obtained from older adult participants and nurses provided critical understanding of the dynamics and impact of digital and emotional support within virtual age-friendly communities.
To examine whether emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between gender role conflict and turnover intentions among nurses in university medical clinics.
Cross-sectional correlational study using structural equation modelling.
Total-population sampling was used to invite all registered nurses employed at King Faisal University medical clinics (Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia). Participants completed Arabic versions of the Gender Role Conflict Scale, Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale and Turnover Intention Scale-6. Data collection occurred in February 2025. Confirmatory factor analyses supported construct validity. Mediation was tested with bootstrapped indirect effects (5000 samples).
Ninety nurses participated (63.3% women; mean age 27.3 years). Gender role conflict correlated positively with turnover intentions (r = 0.47, p < 0.01) and negatively with emotional intelligence (r = −0.42, p < 0.01). Emotional intelligence correlated negatively with turnover intentions (r = −0.39, p < 0.01). The structural model showed good fit (CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.043, SRMR = 0.039). Gender role conflict had a direct positive association with turnover intentions (β = 0.33, p < 0.01) and an indirect effect via reduced emotional intelligence (indirect estimate = 0.18; 95% CI 0.12–0.26), supporting partial mediation.
Emotional intelligence partially explains how gender role conflict relates to nurses' intentions to leave. Targeted development of emotional competencies, alongside organisational strategies that address gendered role expectations, may help reduce turnover.
Findings identify a modifiable psychological pathway linking gendered stressors and turnover. Embedding emotional intelligence training in education and practice and addressing gender role conflict through inclusive policies may improve retention and quality of care.
STROBE.
None.
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