Intercultural sensitivity among nursing educators: Comparison between Japan and China

Due to globalization, intercultural sensitivity is critical for nursing educators to train students for diverse cultural settings. However, research on factors influencing intercultural sensitivity among nursing educators is limited worldwide, including in Japan and China.

To compare the factors related to intercultural sensitivity among nursing educators in Japan and China.

A cross-sectional international comparative study.

Nursing educators from 284 nursing universities in Japan and 303 nursing universities in mainland China.

Nursing educators with national nursing qualifications, affiliated with nursing-related departments, who taught and mentored students were included. Those who could not speak Japanese or Chinese were excluded. Participants completed an online survey that included factors related to intercultural sensitivity and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. A linear regression analysis was used to examine these associations. The data were collected between October and December 2023.

A total of 1240 nursing educators participated. We analyzed valid data of 1236 responses (n = 1022 from Japan, n = 214 from China). Chinese participants had higher intercultural sensitivity than Japanese participants after adjusting for confounding factors. Experience in studying, researching, and training abroad were positively associated with intercultural sensitivity in both groups. For Japanese participants, cross-cultural friendships, participation in cross-cultural exchanges, and non-native language ability were positive factors. For Chinese participants, frequent use of non-native languages and having family members with foreign experience were positively correlated with intercultural sensitivity; years of full-time work were negatively correlated.

The study revealed the intercultural sensitivity of Chinese nursing educators was higher than that of Japanese educators. Facilitating opportunities for international studies are recommended for both Japanese and Chinese groups. Enhancing intercultural sensitivity among Japanese participants should involve promoting cross-cultural interactions, fostering cross-cultural friendships, and improving non-native language abilities. Emphasizing non-native language use could improve the intercultural sensitivity of Chinese participants.