Sexual Harassment Among Health Workers and Students


Onat Bayram G., DİNÇ H.

international journal of human sciences, cilt.9, sa.1, ss.496-511, 2012 (Hakemli Dergi)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 9 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2012
  • Dergi Adı: international journal of human sciences
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.496-511
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aimed to determine the dimensions of sexual harassment experienced in health 
sector and health education in Turkey (1). This study aimed to reveal the perceptions, 
attitudes and behaviors of Turkish health workers and health students toward sexual 
harassment (2). This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The study was performed 
with 96 health workers from three different hospitals including a university, a Ministry of 
Health public hospital and a maternity hospital and, 99 students of nursing and midwifery 
education in one university. In a special room and by using face to face method, total 195 
attendants filled in a questionnaire developed by the researches in accordance with literature. 
Frequency test, percentage distribution test and, chi square test were used to assess the data. 
In this study, 20.8% of health workers and 10.1% of health students were found to be 
exposed to sexual harassment. “Unnecessary touch and unwelcome contact” prevailed 
among the health workers (60%) whereas “staring at repetitively or in a suggestive manner” 
prevailed among the health students (70%). Sexual harassment was found to occur frequently 
within “working hours/daytime” among health workers. Health students reported that they 
exposed to the harassment during “watch duty/night shift” mostly. Health workers and 
nursing and midwifery students were determined to be subjected to sexual harassment in 
Turkey. Although the majority of the participants believe managers’ report no abuse must be 
reported to the event. 
Key Words: Sexual harassment, nursing, midwifery, medical education