In:
BMJ Open, BMJ, Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2022-01), p. e049520-
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and forms of gender discrimination and sexual harassment experienced by medical students and physicians in French-speaking part of Switzerland. Design and setting We conducted an online survey using a questionnaire of 9 multiple-choice and 2 open questions between 24 January 2019 and 24 February 2019. Our target population was medical students and physicians working at hospitals and general practitioners from the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The online survey was sent via social media platforms and direct emails. We compared answers between male-determined and female-determined respondents using either χ 2 or Fisher’s exact tests. Results Among 1071 responders, a total of 893 were included (625 females, 264 males, 4 non-binary and 1 non-binary and male). 178 were excluded because they did not mention their working place or were working only outside Switzerland. Because of the small number of non-binary participants, they were not contemplated in further statistical analysis. Of 889 participants left, 199 (31.8%) women and 18 (6.8%) men reported having personally experienced gender discrimination, in terms of sexism, difficulties in career development and psychological pressure. Among women, senior attendings were the most affected (55.2%), followed by residents (44.1%) and junior attendings (41.1%). Sexual harassment was equally observed among women (19.0%) and men (16.7%). Compared with men (47.0%), women (61.4%) expressed the need to promote equality and inclusivity in medicine more frequently (p 〈 0.001), as well as the need for support in their professional development (38.7% women and 23.9% men; p 〈 0.001). Conclusions Gender discrimination in medicine in French-speaking Switzerland affects one-third of women, in particular, those working in hospital settings and senior positions.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2044-6055
,
2044-6055
DOI:
10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049520
Language:
English
Publisher:
BMJ
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2599832-8
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