Pharmacists’ perceptions and views regarding gender inequality in the pharmacy workforce

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Gender equality, one of the main human rights, is a factor that catalyses the quality of healthcare. In the pharmacy workforce, there is evidence of gender inequality (GI). Females make up to 70% of the pharmacy personnel worldwide but they hold only 25% of leadership roles.1 This male-dominated leadership is a predictor of high rates of harassment.2 Sexual harassment (SH) is a sensitive topic, which concerns many professions. In the pharmacy profession, SH can happen at any point in the career. Nowadays, the dynamics of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) community (LGBTQ+c) have been growing, with its members claiming equal treatment with the rest of the society. LGBTQ+c may feel embarrassed and so avoid healthcare, which implies a poor health prognosis and exacerbates health inequalities.3 Aim This study aimed to identify pharmacists’ perceptions regarding GI, their experiences in SH and to explore their behaviours and practice in LGBTQ+c in Greece. Methods This quantitative research used a survey-based questionnaire (consisting of 6 sections and 55 multiple-choice and Likert scale questions, including on demographics, designed after an extensive literature search. The study was conducted in Corfu (the 4th largest island in Greece) based on the local knowledge and convenience of the researcher. A pilot study was also conducted for the validity and reliability of the questions with no further changes. The questionnaires were distributed electronically (March/April 2022) in all 117 pharmacies in Corfu. The data underwent descriptive statistical analysis. Prior to data collection, all documentation was ethically approved by the Pharmaceutical Association of Corfu in Greece. Results In total, 90 pharmacists responded positively and completed the questionnaire (response rate of 77%). A total of 63,3% (n=57) of the sample were female and 36,7% (n=33) were male pharmacists. It was also identified through responses that although women are satisfactorily represented in the pharmacy profession (80%, n=72), the leading positions are occupied by men. (88.9%, n=80). Furthermore, it was observed that female pharmacists receive verbal violence and SH more often, both in the community pharmacy (96.6%, n=86) and in the university (66.3%, n=59). The effects of such behavior appeared to exert psychological pressure on the pharmacist, resulting in reduced performance (83.3%, n=75). Pharmacists (81.2%, n=73) expressed the need of a more specialised education on how to deal with patients from LGBTQ+c. Discussion/Conclusion This appears to be the first study exploring GI in the pharmacy profession in Greece, the forms in which it manifests, the ways of dealing with it, and the parameters regarding the management of LGBTQ+c in the pharmacy premises. The study’s limitations included the small sample size, the minimum data collection period (two months) and the location (Corfu); thus, the results might not be generalisable. In conclusion, further training may eliminate GI in the pharmacy workforce and contribute to the formation of a more multifaceted cognitive spectrum that will strengthen the pharmacists’ role in the provision of a fully integrated care to all patients and to provide a safe care environment for people belonging to the LGBTQ+c.