Harassment among women health workers in university hospital: An epidemiological study
1 Mental Health Research Team, Ibn Nafis Psychiatric Hospital, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco.
2 Higher education, Research team for mental health, Ibn Nafis psychiatric hospital, Mohammed VI university hospital center, Marrakech, Morocco.
Research Article
International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 2024, 22(03), 404–408
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.3.1689
Publication history:
Received on 20 April 2024 revised on 29 May 2024; accepted on 31 May 2024
Abstract:
Introduction: Women have played an active role in medicine since ancient times, but they have often faced many challenges. Today, bullying is a major issue in the healthcare field. According to Einarsen (1999) and Leymann, this phenomenon encompasses frequent abuse over a prolonged period, with humiliating consequences. Studies carried out in Morocco, notably in Fez and Marrakech, show a high incidence of moral harassment, at 34.2% and 27.5% respectively. Despite progress, women still face prejudice and obstacles in the healthcare field. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of moral harassment among female doctors and paramedical staff at the Med VI University Hospital (CHU) in Marrakech, by analyzing their profile and identifying related elements.
Materials and method: From September 2019 to February 2020, this descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among all female healthcare staff at Marrakech University Hospital with at least six months' experience, with the exception of students, office workers, administrators and secretaries. Data were collected using the Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror (LIPT), supplemented by questions on personal history and job satisfaction. Three hundred professionals were approached, and 208 responded (70% participation rate). The participants were doctors and paramedics. Informed consent was obtained, and anonymity was respected. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS version 23.0, using the Chi2 test for categorical variables with a significance level of p = 0.05.
Results: The average age of the participants was 29, mainly single (60%). The majority were junior doctors (60%). Average professional seniority was 36.4 months, with 50% having less than five years' seniority. 62% worked in medical departments. The prevalence of moral harassment was 26%. Frequent situations included rumors (32%) and humiliating remarks (37.4%). Harassment came mainly from hierarchical superiors (41% of perpetrators were women). There were no significant gender differences in terms of harassment.
Conclusion: The study reveals a high incidence of moral harassment among female doctors and paramedical staff at Marrakech University Hospital. Despite advances, women still face major challenges that impact on their well-being and professional fulfillment. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors is essential to improving the professional environment for women in healthcare. Urgent, coordinated measures are needed to prevent bullying, support victims and promote gender equality in medicine.
Keywords:
Female; Mobbing; Epidemiological Study; Discrimination; Healthcare sector
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