Abstract
AIM: This study aimed to examine the gender role attitudes and perceptions of individuals in society in the context of the nursing profession and male nurses. DESIGN: The research is a descriptive cross-sectional study. METHOD: Two hundred eighty-three individuals were included in the study. The Gender Roles Attitude Scale and introductory information form were used to collect the data. RESULTS: The total score obtained from the scale was 143.91 ± 19.55. Being of female gender increased the mean score of the scale by 12.3 times, being a university graduate by 10.5 times, approving to receive service from opposite-sex nurses by 11.7 times, approving their partner to receive care from a nurse of the opposite-sex by 6.29 times, having received care from male nurses before by 4.5 times, and having a male nurse close to them by 4.5 times (Adj. R(2): 0.421). Being married increased the mean score of the traditional gender role subscale by 2.7 times while approving male nurses to work in obstetrics and gynaecology decreased it by 3.1 times (Adj. R(2) = 0.280). CONCLUSION: Our study found that the attitude towards the nursing profession and the presence of male nurses in the profession determine the gender attitude of society. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This research, by revealing the relationship between male nurses' representation in the profession and society's gender role understandings, leads to strategic steps to promote gender equality in the field of nursing. This study contributes to the development of a more open-minded and accepting attitude towards male nurses among patients and the public, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable health care system.