Workplace and sexual harassment among Colombian surgical residents during 2023

Abstract

Introduction. Workplace and sexual harassment are latent problems during surgical training, which have negative repercussions at the individual, organizational and health system levels. The objective of the present study was to explore the prevalence of these types of harassment in all Colombian surgical residents. Methods. National cross-sectional study conducted in twenty residency programs in September 2023. Residents self-assessed their exposure to both forms of harassment using validated questionnaires. Comparisons were made between victims and non-victims of bullying, based on the demographic characteristics of the population. The frequency of workplace harassment behaviors committed by different perpetrators was evaluated. Results. A total of 238 residents were included (64.7% of population). Rates of workplace and sexual harassment were 35.3% and 18.1%, respectively. Both types of harassment were significantly higher in programs located in the central region of the country. Sexual harassment was significantly higher among women. Surgery professors and senior residents were the main perpetrators of workplace bullying behaviors. Conclusions. Workplace and sexual harassment is highly prevalent during surgical training of Colombian surgeons. These findings should alert professors, residents, and other interest groups to promote healthy educational environments and culture, which will reduce the prevalence of these behaviors. © 2024, Asociacion Colombiana de Cirugia. All rights reserved.