Keywords: Sexual harassment; Family medicine residents; Medical education; Workplace harassment

Background:

Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue in global medical training, with North American studies reporting prevalence rates between 45% and 78%. Perpetrated by colleagues, supervisors, or patients, harassment leads to significant psychological distress, burnout, and compromised patient care. In Israel, there is a critical lack of comprehensive data concerning family medicine residents, who are particularly vulnerable within community-based clinical settings.

Research questions:

Main Research Question:

What is the prevalence and extent of sexual harassment among family medicine residents?

Secondary Research Questions:

What is the prevalence of sexual harassment perpetrated by supervisors and senior physicians in positions of authority?

To what extent is sexual harassment committed by patients within the clinical setting?

What is the frequency of sexual harassment by colleagues and other clinic staff members?

How do the experiences of sexual harassment compare across various genders, sectors, geographic regions, ages, and residency seniority levels?

Method:

This descriptive, cross-sectional study targets approximately 900 Israeli family medicine residents, requiring a minimum sample of 268 for statistical validity. Using validated anonymous questionnaires, the research will examine the relationship between demographic variables—such as gender, sector, and seniority—and harassment sources. Statistical analysis will employ Chi-square tests, T-tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. The study adheres to international ethical standards, ensuring total participant anonymity and informed consent.

Results:

Conclusions:

Points for discussion:

We must introduce qualitative interviews to uncover the hidden harassment dynamics occurring behind closed doors in isolated community-based clinical settings.

We need to establish anonymous, non-threatening reporting channels to overcome the deep-seated fears of career repercussions that prevent residents from taking action. +1

We should develop sector-specific training programs to bridge cultural gaps and ensure a unified standard of safety across Israel’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.