Workplace Sexual and Racial harassment among nurses at tertiary care hospitals in Karachi

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of workplace sexual and racial harassment faced by nurses, to identify the associated determinants, and to examine its related effects.

Method: The cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and the National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, from February to October 2022, and comprised registered nurses with at least one year of work experience. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire adapted from standardised workplace violence instruments. Association of harassment with demographic variables was examined. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

Results: Of the 322 nurses with mean age 27.68±8.35 years, 179(55.6%) were females and 143(44.4%) were males, while 220(68.3%) were aged 20-25 years and 248(77%) had working experience 1-5 years. Overall, 32(9.9%) nurses had experienced sexual harassment, while 34(10.1%) reported racial harassment. Sexual harassment was significantly more common among female nurses, those aged >25 years, those with >5 years of work experience, individuals belonging to minority sects, and night-shift workers (p<0.05). Racial harassment was significantly associated with older age, longer work experience, and night duty (p<0.05). Both forms of harassment were linked to psychological effects, such as recurrent distressing recollections and heightened vigilance. Hospital staff members were identified as the primary perpetrators.

Conclusion: Sexual and racial harassment was found to be a key concern for female, senior and night-shift nurses. The resulting psychological effects showed the need for improved policies, systematic reporting and strong preventive elements to foster a safer and more supportive workplace environment.

Key Words: Sexual harassment, Racial harassment, Workplace harassment among nurses, Nurses in Karachi, Abuse.