Gender differences in work-life balance of European neurosurgeons

• Published in: Brain & spine 2022, Vol.2, p.101100-101100, Article 101100
• Main Authors: Lambrianou, Xanthoula, Tzerefos, Christos, Janssen, Insa K., Mihaylova, Stiliana, Aydin, Aysegul Esen, Al-Ahmad, Selma, Broekman, Marike LD, Gazioglu, Nurperi, Duran, Silvia Hernandez, Ivan, Daniela Luminita, Karampouga, Maria, Magnadottir, Hulda B., Pajaj, Ermira, Rodríguez-Hernández, Ana, Rosseau, Gail, Salokorpi, Niina, Tsianaka, Eleni, Vayssiere, Pia, Murphy, Mary, Tasiou, Anastasia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Career; Children; Gender differences; Home responsibilities; Neurosurgeon; Work-life balance
• ISSN: 2772-5294; 2772-5294
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2022.101100

Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding medical specialties. For neurosurgeons, balancing professional activity with personal life can be challenging. To evaluate gender differences in contribution of neurosurgeons in the household and child-rearing, as well as their impact on personal life and career. An anonymous, electronic, 59-item web-based survey was administered to National Neurosurgical Societies of Europe, and European Member Societies of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (June–October 2021). A total of 205 European neurosurgeons (87 females and 118 males, mean age 40.7) are included in our survey. In neurosurgery, females are significantly more likely to be alone (37.9%), while males are significantly more likely to have children (66.9%). In terms of household efforts, females spend more time than males on the same tasks. Most participants (71.2%) view gender issues as a disadvantage in career pursuing. Women feel less accepted (54.3%) and having fewer opportunities (58.6%), while men believe that pregnancy/child-rearing (65.8%) and having many roles (51.3%) are the main obstacles. Both genders (77.6%) favor more convenient working conditions for young parents. Discussion and Conclusion. In our study we found that, women neurosurgeons take more responsibilities at home, especially in the child-rearing years. Female neurosurgeons are more likely to live alone or stay childless more often compared to their male colleagues. Supportive facilities, flexible programs, universal life policies and presumably curbing of the social stereotypes are of importance to overcome gender inequities that women are still facing in neurosurgery. •Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding medical specialties.•In general neurosurgeons are supportive at home and work.•Women neurosurgeons have more responsibilities at home.•Career females are more likely to live alone and be childless compared to males.•Parental legislation and supportive facilities at hospitals are of importance.