Prevalence of Healthcare Professionals’ Exposure to Workplace Sexual Harassment and Their Related Opinions
Abstract
Background: Workplace sexual harassment is a persistent occupational hazard in healthcare settings, where hierarchical structures and high-stress environments may increase vulnerability to misconduct. Despite growing awareness, its true prevalence among healthcare professionals remains underreported.
Aim: To assess the prevalence of exposure to workplace sexual harassment and explore healthcare professionals’ opinions regarding its prevalence.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. A stratified sample of 360 healthcare professionals was selected, and 317 completed the study (response rate: 88.1%). Data were collected using standardized and validated self-administered questionnaires assessing exposure to sexual harassment during the last year and last six months, as well as participants’ perceptions of its prevalence. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, multiple logistic regression, and multiple linear regression.
Results: Overall, 18.9% of participants reported exposure to workplace sexual harassment during the last year. During the last six months, 14.5% experienced high levels of sexual harassment, predominantly non-verbal (21.1%), followed by verbal (14.2%) and physical forms (8.5%). Nurses reported the highest exposure rates compared to physicians and pharmacists (p<0.05). Female gender (AOR=10.33), smoking (AOR=7.42), having chronic diseases (AOR=3.34), and working as a nurse or pharmacist were significant predictors of exposure. A moderate positive correlation was found between exposure scores and perceptions of prevalence (r=0.527, p<0.01). Only 18.3% perceived workplace sexual harassment as highly prevalent.
Conclusion: Workplace sexual harassment remains a considerable problem among healthcare professionals, particularly among female staff and nurses. Targeted gender-sensitive policies, structured reporting systems, and mental health support programs are essential to reduce exposure and mitigate its consequences.