PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF DOCTORS CONCERNING GENDER-BASED STEREOTYPES AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF PESHAWAR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70905/bmcj.06.01.0487Keywords:
equality, gender discrimination, healthcare, stereotypes,, attitudesAbstract
Abstract
Background: Gender-based discrimination can be explained as treating unfairly an individual based on their gender. It has become a major issue in our society despite the rising awareness regarding gender equality among the masses. Gender discrimination has been reported in every field of life including medical professionals.
Objective: To assess the perceptions and experiences of doctors concerning gender-based stereotypes and
Discrimination in the workplace.
Material and Methods: In this cross sectional study, working doctors, including house officers, trainees, registrars, and consultants, were enrolled. Ethical approval (No. IRB&EC/2023-SM/014) was obtained. Using Open Epi, a sample size of 350 was calculated, with 322 participants (92% response rate) selected via non-probability convenience sampling.Data were collected using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78) assessing gender bias and stereotypes through Likert scales and binary responses. SPSS version 21.0 was used for analysis, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied (p<0.05 considered significant).
Results: The study included 322 working doctors, with 162 (50.3%) males and 160 (49.6%) females. A total of 260 (80.7%) doctors understood the term "Gender Stereotype." Regarding gender discrimination, 151 (93.8%) males and 134 (83.8%) females acknowledged female infanticide as a form of gender stereotype. On the issue of gender roles, 118 (72.8%) males and 120 (75%) females believed that males were pressured to be financial providers. Additionally, 134 (83%) males and 136 (85%) females reported being aware of institutions where females were paid less than their male counterparts.
Conclusion: Doctors show strong awareness of gender stereotypes, but differences in perception persist. Males recognize issues like pay disparity more, while females report higher discrimination experiences. These findings call for targeted efforts to enhance gender equity in healthcare.
