Translation and Validation of the Japanese Version of the Family Sense of Coherence Scale-Short Form in Nurses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to translate the Family Sense of Coherence Scale-short form (FSOC-S) into a Japanese version (J-FSOC-S) for Japanese nurses and to evaluate its reliability and validity. Methods: First, we obtained permission to translate the FSOC-S from the original author and translated it into Japanese using the translation/back translation technique. Second, the J-FSOC-S was reviewed by a panel of experts in nursing research and practice, then, a validation survey was conducted. The internal consistency of the J-FSOC-S was assessed using Cronbach’s α coefficient. Test-retest reliability was examined through intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Construct validity was investigated by measuring the correlation coefficients between the J-FSOC-S and Sense of Coherence (SOC) Scale (concurrent validity) and the Family Adaptability Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve Index (Family APGAR) (convergent validity). Results: A total of 374 nurses (valid response rate = 58.6%) were recruited from seven hospitals. Thirty-four participants completed the questionnaire twice at an interval of 2 - 4 weeks to test the reliability. The mean age of the participants was 35.0 years (SD = 7.6, range = 25 - 59). The mean years of experience as a registered nurse were 11.0 years (SD = 7.1, range = 5 - 36). Of the total number of participants, 53.7% had children. The J-FSOC-S showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.85) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.77). The J-FSOC-S correlated positively with the SOC Scale (r = 0.41, p Conclusions: The J-FSOC-S is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring family sense of coherence in Japan.

The Factors Associated with the Attitudes of Nurses Working in Medical Facilities towards Family Nursing

The aim of this study was to clarify the attitudes of nurses working in medical facilities towards family nursing and the related factors. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used. The study period was from December 2017 to February 2018. 638 nurses with more than 5 years clinical experience were recruited from seven medical facilities. The questionnaire included the Families’ Importance in Nursing Care-Nurses’ Attitudes (FINC-NA), the Family Sense of Coherence (FSOC), and items on nursing practice ability, job satisfaction, and background characteristics. A multiple regression analysis with FINC-NA as the dependent variable and a path analysis of nursing practice ability as the dependent variable were performed. Responses from 416 nurses (effective response rate, 65.2%) were analyzed. Variables that were significantly related to FINC-NA (p < 0.05) were nursing practice ability, FSOC, job satisfaction, family nursing learning experience, presence of a partner and experience in family nursing. Multiple regression analysis with FINC-NA as the dependent variable revealed significant regression coefficients for nursing practice ability, FSOC and job satisfaction. Moreover, path analysis with nursing practice ability as the dependent variable showed job satisfaction, FSOC, managerial experience, family nursing learning experience were significant. In addition, it was revealed that the direct effect of FSOC on FINC-NA to mediate nursing practice ability was higher than the indirect effect, but the direct effect of job satisfaction on FINC-NA was lower than the indirect effect. It was suggested that it is important that nurses recognize their own thoughts, behaviors and ways of coping with stress within their family, and establish a good work environment and strive to enhance their nursing practice ability.