Worldwide prevalence of sexual harassment towards nurses: A comprehensive meta‐analysis of observational studies

• Published in: Journal of advanced nursing 2020-04, Vol.76 (4), p.980-990
• Main Authors: Lu, Li, Dong, Min, Lok, Grace K. I., Feng, Yuan, Wang, Gang, Ng, Chee H., Ungvari, Gabor S., Xiang, Yu‐Tao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Empowerment; Equality; female; Gender; Health authorities; Humans; Meta-analysis; nurse; Nurses; Nursing; Nursing Staff; Observational studies; Observational Studies as Topic; Occupational safety; Occupational stress; Organizational policy; Prevalence; Prevention programs; Professional training; Sex ratio; Sexism; Sexual Harassment; Workplaces
• ISSN: 0309-2402; 1365-2648
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.14296

Aims Sexual harassment towards nurses is a major concern universally, but no meta‐analysis on the worldwide prevalence of sexual harassment towards nurses has yet been published. This study examined the worldwide prevalence of sexual harassment against nurses and explored its moderating factors. Design Meta‐analysis of observational studies. Data sources The PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from their commencement date to February 2018 were systematically and independently searched by two investigators. Review methods Data on the prevalence of sexual harassment experienced by nurses were extracted and pooled using the random‐effects model. Results A total of 43 studies covering 52,345 nurses were included in the analyses. Female nurses accounted for 83.87% of the 32,970 subjects in 25 studies with available data on gender ratio. The prevalence of sexual harassment towards nurses in the past 12 months and during nursing career were 12.6% (95% CI: 10.9–14.4%) and 53.4% (95% CI: 23.1–83.7%), respectively. Gender, use of the WHO questionnaires, lower middle‐income and high‐income countries, sample size, survey year, and mean age of subjects were significantly associated with the prevalence of sexual harassment. Conclusion The high prevalence of sexual harassment against nurses found in this meta‐analysis represents the ongoing sexism and deleterious effects (e.g., poor work quality and efficiency, increased stress and job dissatisfaction) in the profession. Appropriate preventive measures, training, and empowerment of nurses are needed to ensure workplace safety and equality in this profession. Impact The study addressed the worldwide prevalence of sexual harassment against nurses and its moderating factors. Health authorities and hospital administrators should develop organizational policy and preventive strategies to ensure nurses’ workplace safety and equality. 目的 护士性骚扰事件可以说是一个普遍关注的问题,但尚未发布有关全球护士性骚扰事件发生率的荟萃分析。该研究调查了全球护士性骚扰事件发生率情况,并探讨了其缓减因素。 设计 观察研究的荟萃分析 数据来源 从该研究开始日期到2018年2月,两名研究人员对PubMed(文献服务检索系统)、PsycINFO(心理学文摘数据库)、EMBASE(荷兰医学文摘数据库)和科学网(Web of Science)数据库进行了系统、独立的搜索。 评估方法 采用随机效应模型提取和汇总护士性骚扰事件发生率数据。 结果 共执行了43项研究,其中参与分析的护士人数达52,345。在25项有性别比数据的研究中,研究对象32,970人,女护士占83.87%。在过去12个月和护理职业生涯中,护士性骚扰事件的发生率分别为12.6%(95%置信区间(CI):10.9‐14.4%)和53.4%(95%置信区间(CI):23.1‐83.7%)。性别、使用世卫组织调查问卷、中低收入和高收入国家、样本量、调查年份和研究对象平均年龄与性骚扰事件发生率显著相关。 结论 该荟萃分析发现,护士性骚扰事件发生率高,这表明该职业存在持续的性别歧视和有害的身心影响(如工作质量和效率低下、心理压力增加、工作不满意)。需为护士提供适当的预防措施和培训,并赋予护士一定权力,以确保工作场所安全性和职业平等性。 影响 该研究探