Workplace sexual harassment in sexual and reproductive services: a preliminary cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Sexual harassment at the workplace in health care is most prevalent in Anglo regions, although is an emerging problem globally. No research has yet focused on the prevalence of the phenomenon within the area of sexual and reproductive health care in Anglo regions. The aim of this study is therefore to measure the prevalence of sexual harassment in sexual and reproductive health care setting and compare it with other clinical areas. METHOD A web survey to health care workers of various NHS Trusts in the United Kingdom was carried out and a cross-sectional study was conducted to measure observed counts, expected frequencies and prevalence from a total of 90 questionnaires received. RESULTS The prevalence of workplace sexual harassment within the sexual and reproductive health services is lower compared to other clinical areas. CONCLUSIONS Working in sexual and reproductive services could be a protective factor for workplace sexual harassment, therefore this study originates a new line of research aiming to identify the protective factors against sexual harassment at the workplace in sexual and reproductive health and the ways they could be used to protect every health care worker from sexual harassment in the workplace. KEY POINTS The prevalence of workplace sexual harassment in sexual and reproductive health services is lower compared to other clinical areas. Working in sexual and reproductive services could be a protective factor for workplace sexual harassment.