Sex-related differences in nurse–patient relations and problematic cell phone use among Italian oncology nurses

Background: Smartphone use is rapidly increasing, enhancing both communication and computing capabilities while offering additional services to users. This study aimed to explore potential sex-related differences in nurse–patient interactions and problematic smartphone use among oncology nurses in Italy.

Methods: An online nationwide investigation was carried out among Italian oncology nurses. The “Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions Scale” (CNPI) and the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS) were proposed. The CNPI investigated a further 4 sub-dimensions, specifically clinical, relational, humanistic, and comforting care. The MPPUS assessed 2 sub-dimensions, specifically the “Withdrawal and social aspects” and the “Craving and escape from other problems” dimensions.

Results: There were no significant sex-related differences in both patient–nurse interaction sub-dimensions (CNPI _clinical: p=0.973; CNPI_relational: p=0.051; CNPI_humanistic: p=0.683; CNPI_comforting care: p=0.875) and in the MPPUS ones (MPPUS_total_score: p=0.525; MPPUS_Withdrawal and social aspects: p=0.446; MPPUS_Craving and escape from other problems: p=0.840).

Conclusions: Our findings suggested no sex-related differences in nurse–patient interaction and mobile phone problematic use sub-dimensions, despite the literature suggesting that females tend to display more empathy, whereas males are often described as more assertive and technically oriented. However, further researchers reported differences in male and female preferences in smartphone use and its related apps.