2019 Volume 23 Issue 1 Pages 28-39
This study aimed to clarify 1) the proportion of nurses who stutter (NWS); 2) knowledge regarding stuttering on the part of nurses who do not stutter (NWNS), and their perceptions and attitudes regarding people who stutter (PWS); and 3) what NWS think about their difficulties on the job and the work environment, and to identify ways of improving their work environment. This study targeted nurses from 10 hospitals, each with fewer than 200 beds, in Tokyo's 23 wards. Of the 575 nurses surveyed, 290 completed anonymous questionnaires covering characteristics, stuttering status, knowledge of stuttering, and perceptions and attitudes regarding PWS. Thirteen of 290 participants (4.5%) were NWS, and reported difficulties in their work and work environment. Moreover, although 70% of NWNS knew the term "stuttering," they had insufficient knowledge of its symptoms and epidemiology. There were no associations between knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding PWS; however, exposure to PWS was associated with some perceptions and attitudes regarding PWS. Eight of 13 NWS answered the question about perceived difficulties at work. Four NWS experienced severe difficulties, whereas the other four did not. The former tended to confide in their co-workers about their stuttering and the need to be understood and considered by them; therefore, they were more satisfied with their workplaces compared to the latter. This suggests that the proportion of NWS is larger than that of PWS in the general population (1%), and some NWS are not understood or considered by co-workers and are not satisfied with their workplaces.
