#patientstoo – Professional sexual misconduct by healthcare professionals towards patients: a representative study
Year: 2021
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: AIMS: Sexual border violations are a severe problem in the healthcare system. Studies using non-probability samples indicate a high prevalence of professional sexual misconduct (PSM) towards patients. However, valid prevalence rates are lacking. METHODS: We did a cross-sectional, observational study in Germany from February to April 2020. By different sampling steps, a probability sample of the German population above the age of 14 was generated. The final sample consisted 2503 persons (50.2% female, mean age: 49.5 years). Participants were asked about sexual contacts with and sexual harassment by healthcare professionals. Using descriptive statistics, prevalence rates of PSM were estimated. RESULTS: PSM was reported by 56 (4.5%) female and 17 (1.4%) male participants. In detail, 28 (2.2%) female and 10 (0.8%) male participants reported sexual contacts with healthcare professionals. One third of these sexual contacts took place before the age of 18 and one third against the will of the patients. 40 (3.2%) female and 8 (0.6%) male participants reported unnecessary physical examinations, 31 (2.5%) female and 7 (0.6%) male participants reported sexual harassment. The majority of perpetrators were male. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide an important first insight into the prevalence of PSM by healthcare professionals towards patients in a representative sample. Results suggest a high prevalence of PSM in the general population of Germany. Preventive measures to increase awareness of PSM and concepts for protection of patients are needed.
Authors: V. Clemens, E. Brähler, J. M. Fegert
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,255
Funders: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Volkswagen Foundation, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Bundesministerium für Gesundheit, Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health
OpenAlex ID: W3173197818