GENDER BIAS IN HEALTHCARE PERSPECTIVE OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Abstract

Background: Currently the gender bias has evolved into an important issue even for healthcare and not only affects the patients’ quality care but also workplace environment existing among professionals.

Objectives: To examine how healthcare workers perceive gender bias in patient care and treatment decisions; to investigate the impact of gender bias on healthcare workers’ career advancement and workplace dynamics; and to assess the coping mechanisms employed by healthcare workers in response to gender bias.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Omar Hospital and Cardiac Centre, Jail Road Lahore from March 2025 to September 2025.

Methods: During study 422 healthcare workers (HCWs) i.e., doctors, nurses, administrative staff and allied professionals were enrolled. Consecutive sampling technique was employed. Researcher collected data using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.

Results: Out of 422 HCWs, 53.3% were females and mean age was 28.32+7.146 years. Among these healthcare workers, 24.4% males and 42.9% females were agreed that gender plays a role in patient care, 26.8% males and 24.0% females were agreed that gender has influenced their career growth in the healthcare sector, 25.1% males and 34.4% females agreed that both genders receive equal pay and benefits for equivalent roles, 30.2% males and 26.7% females felt comfortable while discussing issues related to gender bias in their workplace and 4.0% males and 15.9% females experienced burnout due to gender-related issues in their workplace while 10.7% males and 12.5% females healthcare workers reported that their mental health was affected by gender bias.

Conclusion: Study concluded that gender bias was found in both genders but it was more prevalent among female than male healthcare workers.