Exploring perceptions, occurrence and management of workplace  sexual harassment among nurses at Mzimba District and Mzuzu Central Hospitals in the  northern region of Malawi

Phiri, Kate Ruth

Exploring perceptions, occurrence and management of workplace sexual harassment among nurses at Mzimba District and Mzuzu Central Hospitals in the northern region of Malawi

Date

21-07-29

Authors

Phiri, Kate Ruth

Publisher

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

Abstract

Type of study The study will be a facility based cross sectional mixed methods study. Problem to be studied There is overwhelming evidence of sexual harassment (SH) reported in print as well as digital media globally, with noted devastating outcomes to the victims and organizations involved such as reduced confidence, morale and work performance, among others. According to WHO, workplace SH is reportedly more prevalent in the health sector than any other sectors. The extent of workplace SH, its effects and management in the health sector has not been thoroughly explored in Malawi. Objectives In this study, the main objective is to explore the prevalence, perception and management of workplace sexual harassment among nurses in Malawi. And the specific objectives are: to explore the perception of sexual harassment among nurses and hospital management team members; to determine the prevalenceof sexual harassment among nurses, to explore nurses’ reactions to sexual harassment; and to investigate the management of sexual harassment in the workplace. Methodology It is a quantitative and qualitative study, which will be conducted at two hospitals namely; Mzimba District and Mzuzu Central Hospitals. In depth interviews will be conducted on 10 nurses and 5 hospital management team members responsible for handling SH incidents from each site. Additionally 30 self-administered questionnaires will be distributed to nurses in each facility. Digital voice recorders will be utilized and transcribed verbatim. Codes and themes will be generated manually and content analysis will be applied. Self-administered questionnaires will also be utilized to assess prevalence of SH amongst nurses. Data will be displayed in charts and tables. Constraint 29-Jul-2021 Workplace sexual harassment among nurses, Version 2 Dated 07/06/2021 19 The major anticipated study constraint will be finding participants that are willing to discuss such sensitive information. In this regard, anonymity will be emphasized to all study participants. Study implication Expected findings of this study will help inform implementation of SH policies in the health facility, from tailor made measures identified in this research that would facilitate the reduction of SH incidents. Dissemination plans The results of the study will be disseminated to COMREC, Mzimba District and Mzuzu Central Hospitals’research and management teams as well as to local and international research dissemination conferences.