An Analysis of the Use of the Terms Sex and Gender in Research Reported in Nursing Journals

Authors

John R. Blakeman, Illinois State UniversityFollow
Valentina M. Fillman, Illinois State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2022

Publication Title

Advances in Nursing Science

Abstract

Accurately measuring and reporting the demographic characteristics of research participants are imperative to provide consumers of research with an understanding of who was included in a study. While researchers often, incorrectly, use the variables sex and gender interchangeably, these 2 variables are different. We conducted a content analysis of 239 randomly selected research articles, with the purpose of describing how researchers have used sex and gender in studies published in nursing journals and identifying opportunities for improved clarity and precision in measuring these 2 variables. We found that significant improvement is needed in the way these variables are used/reported.

DOI

10.1097/ANS.0000000000000402

Comments

First published in Advances in Nursing Science 45, no. 3 (2022):p E110-E126. DOI: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000402.

Recommended Citation

Blakeman, John R. and Fillman, Valentina M., "An Analysis of the Use of the Terms Sex and Gender in Research Reported in Nursing Journals" (2022). Faculty Publications - Mennonite College of Nursing. 29.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/fpnrs/29