Key result
Female cardiologists in the UK reported experiencing discrimination of any kind at a much higher rate than male cardiologists (61.9% vs 19.7%).
Why the study?
The study was conducted to compare the frequency with which male and female cardiologists experience sexism and to explore the types of sexism experienced in cardiology.
Cross-Sectional (n=174)
Absolute Event Rate: 61.9% vs 19.7%
Female cardiologists in the UK experience significantly more sexism and sexual harassment than their male counterparts, which negatively impacts their professional confidence and career progression.
OBJECTIVES: The aims were to compare the frequency with which male and female cardiologists experience sexism and to explore the types of sexism experienced in cardiology. METHODS: tests and pairwise comparisons with a Bonferroni correction for multiple analyses compared the experiences of male and female cardiologists. RESULTS: 174 cardiologists completed the survey (24% female; 76% male). The survey showed that 61.9% of female cardiologists have experienced discrimination of any kind, mostly related to gender and parenting, compared with 19.7% of male cardiologists. 35.7% of female cardiologists experienced unwanted sexual comments, attention or advances from a superior or colleague, compared with 6.1% of male cardiologists. Sexual harassment affected the professional confidence of female cardiologists more than it affected the confidence of male cardiologists (42.9% vs 3.0%), including confidence with colleagues (38% vs 10.6%) and patients (23.9% vs 4.6%). 33.3% of female cardiologists felt that sexism hampered opportunities for professional advancement, compared with 2.3% of male cardiologists. CONCLUSION: Female cardiologists in the UK experience more sexism and sexual harassment than male cardiologists. Sexism impacts the career progression and professional confidence of female cardiologists more, including their confidence when working with patients and colleagues. Future research is urgently needed to test interventions against sexism in cardiology and to protect the welfare of female cardiologists at work.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Jaijee et al. (2021) conducted a cross-sectional in Consultant cardiologists (n=174). Female sex vs. Male sex was evaluated on Experience of discrimination of any kind. Female cardiologists in the UK reported experiencing discrimination of any kind at a much higher rate than male cardiologists (61.9% vs 19.7%).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: