• Yuri Hibino, Yoshiaki Hitomi, Yasuhiro Kambayashi, and Hiroyuki Nakamura.
• Research Associate, Department of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Japan. hibino@pub.m.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
• J Nurs Scholarsh. 2009 Jan 1;41(2):124-31.

PurposeTo identify factors affecting nurse-perceived sexual harassment and specific types of patient sexual behavior experienced by Japanese nurses.DesignCross-sectional questionnaire study of Japanese hospital nurses.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires (N=600) were distributed to Japanese hospital nurses, and 464 were returned (response rate of 77.3%). Two instruments were used: one was for determining sexual harassment by patients, and the other was for determining specific types of patient behavior that had sexual connotations.FindingsRegistered nurses were at a much higher risk of sexual harassment than were nurse assistants. In addition, registered nurses had a much more positive attitude toward gender equality compared with assistant nurses.ConclusionsA positive attitude toward gender equality mediated by a relatively high education level might be associated with increasing reports of sexual harassment. An increasing incidence of sexual harassment claims among nurses should prompt hospital organizations to take proper action against it. Education on gender equality was thus considered a long-term solution for reducing the sexual harassment of Japanese hospital nurses.Clinical RelevanceEstablishing a safer working environment could enable nurses to provide better care for patients and thereby promote the development of good relationships between nurses and patients.

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