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Sex and Gender in Research on Healthcare Workers in Conflict Settings: A Scoping Review

Author

Listed:
  • Rima R. Habib

    (Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon)

  • Dana A. Halwani

    (Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon)

  • Diana Mikati

    (Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon)

  • Layal Hneiny

    (Saab Medical Library, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon)

Abstract

The occupational health literature has established that sex and gender are associated with all dimensions of the workplace. Sex and/or gender (sex/gender) factors play an important role in shaping the experiences, exposures, and health outcomes of male and female healthcare providers working in war and conflict settings. This study aims to (1) assess how sex/gender is considered in the occupational health literature on healthcare workers in conflict settings, and (2) identify the gaps in incorporating sex/gender concepts in this literature. A scoping review was carried out and nine electronic databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy. Two reviewers screened the titles/abstracts and full-texts of the studies using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key information was extracted from the studies and four themes were identified. Of 7679 identified records, 47 were included for final review. The findings underlined the harsh working conditions of healthcare workers practicing in conflict zones and showed sex/gender similarities and differences in experiences, exposures and health outcomes. This review revealed a dearth of articles with adequate consideration of sex/gender in the study design. Sex/gender-sensitive research in occupational health is necessary to develop effective occupational health and safety policies to protect men and women healthcare workers in conflict settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Rima R. Habib & Dana A. Halwani & Diana Mikati & Layal Hneiny, 2020. "Sex and Gender in Research on Healthcare Workers in Conflict Settings: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-22, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4331-:d:372827
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sophie Witter & Haja Wurie & Justine Namakula & Wilson Mashange & Yotamu Chirwa & Alvaro Alonso‐Garbayo, 2018. "Why do people become health workers? Analysis from life histories in 4 post‐conflict and post‐crisis countries," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 449-459, April.
    2. Antonio Ariza-Montes & Noel M. Muniz & María José Montero-Simó & Rafael Angel Araque-Padilla, 2013. "Workplace Bullying among Healthcare Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-19, July.
    3. Steege, Rosalind & Taegtmeyer, Miriam & McCollum, Rosalind & Hawkins, Kate & Ormel, Hermen & Kok, Maryse & Rashid, Sabina & Otiso, Lilian & Sidat, Mohsin & Chikaphupha, Kingsley & Datiko, Daniel Gemec, 2018. "How do gender relations affect the working lives of close to community health service providers? Empirical research, a review and conceptual framework," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 1-13.
    4. Maes, Kenneth & Kalofonos, Ippolytos, 2013. "Becoming and remaining community health workers: Perspectives from Ethiopia and Mozambique," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 52-59.
    5. Peihang Sun & Xue Zhang & Yihua Sun & Hongkun Ma & Mingli Jiao & Kai Xing & Zheng Kang & Ning Ning & Yapeng Fu & Qunhong Wu & Mei Yin, 2017. "Workplace Violence against Health Care Workers in North Chinese Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, January.
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    1. Marta Regina Cezar-Vaz & Daiani Modernel Xavier & Clarice Alves Bonow & Jordana Cezar Vaz & Letícia Silveira Cardoso & Cynthia Fontella Sant’Anna & Valdecir Zavarese da Costa, 2022. "Domains of Physical and Mental Workload in Health Work and Unpaid Domestic Work by Gender Division: A Study with Primary Health Care Workers in Brazil," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-23, August.

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