Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop "a professional identity scale for public health nurses (PISP)" and to discover factors related to professional identity for use in studies to improve public health nurse (PHN) activities.
Method: Questionnaires including a tentative PISP together with "ego identity' "self-esteem', and "nurse identity' scales were sent to PHNs working in the Kanto region. Out of 986 questionnaires sent, 739 were be collected, and the data were statistically analysed for reliability,validity, and identify-related factors.
Results: 1) A tentative PISP consisting of 7 factors and 52 items was developed. Item analysis and exploratory factor analysis (Promax rotation) of the scale showed that 37 of the PISP items had a 5-factor structure. Theses factors were interpreted as "confidence in working as a public health nurse," "identification of the profession with life," "feedback from others and self-esteem," "adaptation to and certainty about career," and "integration of life and career." 2) A significant, positive correlation was found between the total score of PISP and the "ego identity' and "self-esteem' scales. 3) A significant, positive correlation was found between the total score of PISP and the "nurse identity' scale. 4) The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total PISP was 0.96. 5) Significant, positive correlations were also found between the total score of PISP and age and years of experience. 6) Significantly higher scores of PISP were found for those having a partner or housemate, living with a partner or children, and holding a higher position 7) Multiple regression analysis showed that the factors significantly related to the total PISP score were having faith in his or her duties, having high motivation, being of a higher age, and having a satisfying role as a PHN.
Conclusion: The PISP developed in this research demonstrates considerably high reliability and validity. It also showed the necessity to improve the working environment and enhance the positive behavior and motivation of PHNs, for facilitating their development of a professional identity.