| Background. In mainland China, female nurses who physically contact or expose the penis during their provision of male genitalia related care (MGRC) could be considered as behaving in sexually improper ways. A literature review suggested that certain MGRC actions might be perceived negatively by male patients and nurses. However, there is a dearth of research investigating the practice of female nurses delivering MGRC.;Aims. This research aimed to investigate Chinese female nurses' perceptions of MGRC, and to measure Chinese female nurses' sensitivity to MGRC (FNS-MGRC).;Design and methods. The research was carried out in two stages. In the preliminary stage: Study 1, an exploratory qualitative study, investigated eight subjects' experiences, perceptions, attitudes and responses in their practice of MGRC, using semi-structured interviews; and Study 2, a cross-sectional descriptive survey, investigated 312 subjects' perceptions of certain types of MGRC and the influence of their demographic and other factors on their perceptions. In the main study, Study 3, four tests were conducted to investigate the personality trait FNS-MGRC, which reflected one's ability to respond to different concerns associated with female nurses delivering MGRC, using psychometric techniques.;Results. In Study 1, two themes, 'association with sexuality' and 'consequences', emerged. In Study 2, the majority of subjects were found to perform and prefer to perform few types of MGRC. Their perceptions of MGRC may not be extensively negative, but may be influenced by their role as wife, mother or head nurse. In Study 3, the 13-item FNS-MGRC scale was developed and demonstrated good psychometric properties. The FNS-MGRC was shown to be a two-dimensional construct which consisted of the principal components of 'positive image anxiety' and 'sexual propriety maintenance'.;Conclusion. This research suggests that, in mainland China, female nurses may play limited roles in the practice of MGRC, their perceptions of MGRC might be negative and the quality of MGRC could be compromised. Serious concern over a positive social and sexual image may influence Chinese female nurses' practice and perceptions of MGRC. Particular attention should be paid to Chinese female nurses when they are involved in the education and practice of MGRC. |
