Gender differences in experiencing negative encounters with healthcare: a study of long-term sickness absentees.
OBJECTIVE
In most countries there are gender differences in sickness absence and in absentees' return to work (RTW). According to different theories sick-listed persons' experiences of encounters with healthcare professionals can influence self-esteem and RTW. The aim was to analyse gender differences in sickness absentees' experiences of negative encounters with healthcare professionals.


METHODS
A questionnaire, comprising numerous questions on experiences of positive and negative encounters with professionals, was constructed and sent to 10,100 individuals who had been on sick leave for the last 6-8 months. The response rate was 58% (n = 5,802).


RESULTS
Almost one-third (32%) of the female respondents and one-quarter of the male (24%), respectively, had experienced negative encounters. The most common of such experiences among both women and men were: that they were treated with indifference, with disrespect, that the professional did not take his/her time, did not listen, did not believe in, or doubted complaints. In regression analyses the women had higher significant crude odds ratios, ranging from 1.29 to 1.71, for agreeing to the separate statements on negative encounters. When adjusting for age, ethnicity, and level of education the gender differences were still significant for 14 of the 23 the statements.


CONCLUSIONS
Women's high rate of sickness absence is considered a problem in most countries. The subjective experiences of women are an important factor to consider in efforts aiming at reducing the sick-leave rates. One important endeavour among professionals in healthcare could be to shift the focus towards a more empowering professional role.
Upmark
Marianne
M
Section of Personal Injury Prevention, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Instituter, Stockholm, Sweden. marianne.upmark@sll.se
Borg
Karin
K
Alexanderson
Kristina
K
D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012649:Self Concept; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires