Prevalence and Psychological Impact of Sexual Harassment against Female Medical Students and Residents at Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences
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Date
2021-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Gender based violence and sexual harassment remains a
substantial issue facing women and girls around the world. Professional
women are not exempted, including women who join medical school.
Study objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the
prevalence and types of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual
harassment and associated psychological distress in female medical
students and residents at Addis Ababa University, College of Health
Sciences (AAU CHS).
Method: The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Study participants
include female clinical year medical students and residents at AAU CHS.
The sampling technique that was employed was total population sampling
with initial target sample size of 340, subsequently changed to 436 after
inclusion of first year residents and new clinical year-1 students. The
Sexual Experience Questionnaire was used to measure gender-based
violence and sexual harassment. Depressive symptoms were measured
using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item version (PHQ-9). Traumatic
stress symptoms were measured using the PC-PTSD scale and anxiety
symptoms were measured using the GAD-2. Open-ended questions were
used to ask about reporting the incidents, any help obtained, unmet needs
and preferences for sources of help. The questionnaires were administered
as an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed
using descriptive frequencies and negative binomial regression to look at
the association between GBV/sexual harassment and depressive
symptoms, traumatic stress and anxiety symptoms.
Results: Even though the questionnaire included sensitive questions, the
response rate appeared to be representative of the population. A total of
368 women participated; 65.7% were clinical students and 32.5% were
residents. Over one quarter (26.2%) self-identified as having been sexually
harassed at the university. Based on systematic screening with the SEQ,
the prevalence of sexual harassment among female medical students and
residents was substantially higher (81.8%); with 77.2% experiencing gender
harassment, 70.6% experiencing unwanted sexual attention and 36.6%
experiencing sexual coercion. Of those who were sexually harassed, only
3.2% reported the incident. After reporting, 99.3% did not receive any
support frommedical school and 97.9% did not receive any help from other
institutions. From the women who had received help, 100% of them
reported that it was inadequate.
11.1% of the respondents indicated to have moderate depression while 4.1
% of the participants indicated moderately severe and severe depression
(each). 38 respondents (10.3%) responded ‘’yes’’ for 4 out of the 5
questions on the PC-PTSD screening tool indicating possible PTSD. 14.1%
of the respondents scored 3 points (the cutoff point) on the GAD-2
indicating a possible anxiety disorder. Total sexual harassment score and
subscales were strongly associated with depression, traumatic stress and
anxiety scores. The top three recommendations the women forwarded
were to take appropriate actions against the perpetrators, to empower
women and increase awareness about the problem.
Conclusions: The study signifies the presence of high prevalence of sexual
harassment within the institution. Despite the high figure, there seems to
be low perception of sexual harassment, under reporting and inadequate
response. One apparent impact is on women’s mental health. Participating
women identified key actions that need to be taken so that harassment can
be reduced and women who experience harassment can be better
supported.
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Keywords
Sexual harassment ,Female Medical Students , Residents