Using Q-methodology to establish the Health Beliefs of Japanese, Australian and Thai nurses

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26463210
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Fundamental nursing
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: STONE Teresa E. 山口大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (70639236)
• Research Collaborator: Turale Sue Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Nursing, Professor of International Nursing ; Guptarak Marisa Chiang Mai University, Faculty of Nursing, International Coordinator ; Jeong Sarah The University of Newcastle ; Petrini Marcia A Wuhan University, HOPE School of Nursing, Dean ; Liu Yan Qun Wuhan University, HOPE School of Nursing, Lecturer ; McMillan Margaret The University of Newcastle, Conjoint Professor ; Maguire Jane The University of Newcastle, A/Prof
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: health beliefs / Q methodology / culture / evidence-based practice / nursing

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The study aim was to explore health belief content, origin, socio-cultural and other influencing factors held by clinical nurses and academics, and its impact on their nursing practice and education using Q methodology interview and questionnaire.　 Data was collected from 60 nurses in China, Japan, Thailand and Australia. In Korea only 31 participants were recruited. Findings suggest that nurses may have developed their health beliefs at an early age through education or observation by schools, family or community. When exposed to contradictory information including that derived from evidence-based sources, they may still practice accordingly to these unconscious and unexamined beliefs which are passed onto their patients and students. The findings can inform clinical teaching and clinical practice and assist nurses to critically distinguish between beneficial and potentially harmful health beliefs and practices using reflective practice and critical thinking.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学