Male Nurses in Lebanon: Roles and Challenges in a Female-Dominated Field

Background: The nursing profession, historically feminized, remains marked by gender stereotypes that influence the perception of male nurses, particularly in societies where traditional roles are predominant, such as in Lebanon. This study aims to explore the perceptions, challenges, and contributions of male nurses in Lebanese hospitals. Methodology: The study is based on a quantitative approach through a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted among 120 male nurses working in public and private hospitals in Lebanon. Data collection was carried out via an online questionnaire distributed using the snowball sampling method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The results show that most participants experienced obstacles related to gender stereotypes when choosing their profession, and the majority believe they face more difficulties than their female counterparts. The identified challenges include difficulty integrating into predominantly female teams, interactions with female patients, and lack of recognition or advancement opportunities. Furthermore, most participants consider that male nurses make a unique contribution to nursing care, particularly in managing physically demanding situations and enhancing the dynamics of mixed-gender teams. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for better inclusion of male nurses in the field of nursing in Lebanon. It recommends awareness-raising actions to break stereotypes, training on diversity and inclusion, as well as the promotion of male role models within the profession.