Nurses’ Sex-Role Attitudes and Ethical Behaviors Toward the Sexuality of Muscular Dystrophy Patients

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the relationships between recognition of sex-role attitudes and ethical behaviors of nurses who support muscular dystrophy patients. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted with nurses who worked at the hospitals with a ward where muscular dystrophy patients are hospitalized. The questionnaire included the SESRA-S (Scale of Egalitarian Sex Role Attitudes-Short Form) and the Ethical Behavior Scale. The respondents were 126 hospital nurses and 31 care workers. For hospital nurses, there was a positive correlation between the SESRA-S score and scores on the Ethical Behavior Scale and each of its subscales (“respect for autonomy” to the patients, “justice for all patients,” and “do no harm, do good”). For care workers, “respect for autonomy” to the patients and “do no harm, do good” showed a positive correlation. Differences in “sex-role attitudes” between hospital nurses and care workers were not significant. Nurses’ sex-role attitudes show a common trend regardless of occupation. The study results suggested that, by respecting patients as human beings and raising ethical awareness, it was possible for nurses to aid with respect to patients’ sexuality.