Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify the attitudes towards the code of conduct for scientists among council members of the Japanese Society for Hygiene (JSH). We also aimed to collect information to be used as baseline data for future studies.
Methods: From November to December 2007, 439 Council members of the Japanese Society for Hygiene completed a self-administered questionnaire.
Results: The valid response rate was 43.7% (n=192/439). The mean ages of the subjects were 56.2 years for males (n=171), and 53.0 years for females (n=19). Many council members were unfamiliar with the "Code of Conduct for Scientists" established by the Science Council of Japan, suggesting that most of the regular members were also unfamiliar with these guidelines. However, the high level of interest in the "Code of Conduct for Scientists" established by the Science Council of Japan indicated a positive attitude towards learning about research ethics. Moreover, one-half of the subjects responded that JSH should establish a code of conduct for scientists. Below are some of the reasons for requiring JSH to establish a code of conduct: 1. Private information is prevalent in the field of hygiene. 2. The overall stance as an academic society would be established and would encourage individuality in academic societies. 3. Members have various backgrounds within the field of hygiene, and they should have a code of conduct different from that of their institution of affiliation.
Conclusion: We clarified attitudes towards the Code of Conduct for Scientists among council members of the Japanese Society for Hygiene.