Abstract
Objective: This study aims to clarify the status of the broad autism phenotype (BAP) and its relationship to communication and nursing practice skills among female nursing university students. Methods: The study comprised female nursing students at two universities. A total of 199 fourth-year students participated (valid response rate: 78.0%) by completing a questionnaire survey that included attributes, a BAP questionnaire - Japanese version (BAPQ-J), an index of communication skills (ENDCOREs), and practical skills that are used in nursing practice. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted using the scores of all items in the BAPQ-J. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used, with mean scores of all items and subscales of the BAPQ-J. The scores of ENDCOREs and practical skills were compared by clusters. These clusters were formed based on the BAPQ-J. Results: First, the participants were classified into normal, borderline, and high BAP tendency types. Those of a high BAP tendency were further classified into low and high aloof types. They demonstrated significantly lower ENDCORE scores. Those of the high aloof type had significantly lower practical skill scores. Conclusions: Students with high BAP tendencies tend to have lower communication skills. Those of high aloof types tend to have difficulties in acquiring nursing practice skills. These results suggest that teachers at nursing universities should provide support to students of high aloof types.
