Multinational survey reveals gender inequities, discrimination among female neurosurgeons

Female neurosurgeons reported more discrimination, less job satisfaction and worse work-life balance compared with male counterparts, according to results of a study published in Brain and Spine.

“Multiple barriers have been described for females entering the neurosurgical field, particularly academic neurosurgery,” Anna M. Zeitlberger, MD, MSc, of the department of neurosurgery at Kantonsspital St. Gallen in Switzerland, and colleagues wrote. “These include the lack of successful female role models as well as a fear of gender discrimination and problems in balancing their personal and professional life.”

Zeitlberger and colleagues sought to assess gender disparities in neurosurgery — with a focus on job satisfaction and inequity or discrimination at work — by sending a survey in November 2018 to all members of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies. The 31-question, web-based form surveyed participants on demographics, surgical education, career goals, job satisfaction, gender inequities and work/life balance.

Researchers received responses from 168 members in 40 countries (mean age, 40.8 years; 29.8% women; 82.1% European-based).

Results showed that 88% of female and 38.1% of male responders reported either gender inequity or discrimination at work (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 10.8; 95% CI, 4.2-27.8), and that female neurosurgeons were more likely to be discriminated against by colleagues (aOR, 4.32; 95% CI, 2.1-9.1), as well as by patients and/or relatives (aOR, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.77-7.54).

Further, data revealed a trend among female respondents of lower job satisfaction, less satisfaction with career goals and worse work-life balance.

“A better understanding of the gender-related aspects of job satisfaction is an important step to improving gender equity in our profession,” Zeitlberger and colleagues wrote.