Views of healthcare professionals on gender roles: A qualitative study

Problem: Gender equality is one of the most important determinants of health. Discriminatory interventions, values, beliefs, and prejudices of healthcare professionals during their service affect health adversely.

Background: There is not adequate information about the views of healthcare professionals on gender roles.

Aim: This study was conducted to understand and define the views of healthcare professionals involved in the health system on gender roles.

Methods: This study was performed using the "phenomenological method," one of the qualitative research methods. A total of 28 healthcare professionals - 10 midwives, 12 nurses, and 6 doctors - were included in the research. Individual in-depth interviews were held with the healthcare professionals included in the study.

Findings: As a result of the descriptive analysis performed after the individual interviews about the views of healthcare professionals on gender roles, 6 main themes were determined. These themes are (1) the neglect of women by society, (2) using force on women, (3) seeing women as sexual objects, (4) having a say in society, (5) glorified masculinity and femininity roles, and (6) gender equality.

Discussion: In this study, healthcare professionals expressed that women were neglected by societies since gender roles were determined by patriarchal societies. This situation adversely influences the health of individuals. Importance should be attached to equality between women and men to improve health. Healthcare professionals who support equality will improve the quality of care.

Conclusion: Healthcare professionals should provide equitable services without discrimination. This equitable care they provide will positively affect the health of individuals.