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Sexual Harassment Experiences Across the Academic Medicine Hierarchy
Chu J Hsiao1, Neeka N Akhavan2, Naykky Singh Ospina3
1Division of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Cureus
|March 31, 2021
Summary
Sexual harassment is common in academic medicine, affecting one-third of respondents. Incidence decreases with academic rank, with students most affected. Addressing subtle behaviors is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Gender Studies
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Existing sexual harassment estimates in academic medicine suffer from recall bias and lack comparability due to varied time frames.
- Previous studies have not collectively surveyed medical students, residents/fellows, and faculty, often excluding various harassment behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of sexual harassment across different academic medicine career stages within a single institutional culture and timeframe.
- To identify common sexual harassment behaviors and perpetrators across the academic hierarchy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective online survey was administered in 2018 to medical students, residents/fellows, and faculty at an academic medical campus.
- A comprehensive tool assessed sexual harassment behaviors and perpetrator types, with statistical analyses comparing responses by academic status and gender.
Main Results:
- One-third of 515 respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment in 2018.
- Incidence varied by academic status: 52% of medical students, 31% of residents/fellows, and 25% of faculty.
- Women (46%) were more likely than men (19%) to report experiences; common incidents included suggestive comments and intrusive questions.
Conclusions:
- Sexual harassment is potentially more prevalent in academic medicine than previously reported.
- Incidence of sexual harassment appears to decrease with increasing academic hierarchy.
- Subtle forms of harassment may often go unrecognized or unreported.
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