AB1572-HPR GENDER DISPARITIES, BARRIERS IN RHEUMATOLOGY PRACTICE, AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS: RESULTS OF A SURVEY OF PAN AMERICAN FEMALE RHEUMATOLOGISTS
Authors: Y. J. Fuentes-Silva, D. B. Tovar-Bastidas, A. M. Arredondo-González, D. Alpizar-Rodriguez, A. Beltrán-Ostos, G. Betancur, S. Bonilla-Tovar, A. Bran, T. Díaz-Prieto, P. E. Gottschalk Gómez, A. Rojas, E. V. Sarabia Chavez, J. Then, A. Yupe Flores, E. M. Zolano, I. J. Colunga-Pedraza
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Gender inequality permeates the rheumatology landscape in Latin America, affecting female practitioners at multiple levels. <h3>Objectives:</h3> A mixed-methods survey study was conducted to assess gender inequalities, identify barriers in the medical practices of female rheumatologists in the Pan-American region, and propose potential solutions. The aim was to pinpoint contributing factors and capture the narratives of these experiences. <h3>Methods:</h3> A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a mixed-methods design through an online survey administered to PANLAR member countries. Closed-ended questions were employed for the quantitative phase, while open-ended questions were used for the qualitative phase. Descriptive and analytical methods were applied for the quantitative approach, and a phenomenological method was employed for the qualitative aspect. The research adhered to the Helsinki Declaration and the International Ethical Guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). <h3>Results:</h3> The survey was completed by 246 participants (239 rheumatologists and 9 rheumatology trainees) from 17 PANLAR countries. The mean age of respondents was 44 years, with the majority residing in Argentina (31.30%), Mexico, and Colombia (Figure 1). Eleven percent were pediatric rheumatologists, 60% were involved in teaching, and 49% in research. About 50% were married, and 63% were mothers. Perceived barriers related to gender included misogyny and harassment in the work environment, a preference for men in workplaces, academic roles, leadership positions, and residencies. This perception was consistent among female rheumatologists, both with and without children. Mother rheumatologists perceived more barriers related to difficulties in balancing work/family time, less time for patient care and academic work due to family issues, disadvantages in the workplace due to maternity and breastfeeding, and fewer opportunities to attend academic events because of childcare responsibilities. For some participants, no gender barriers were identified. Proposed solutions included improving the work environment, promoting gender equity policies, education, and increased effort (Figure 2). <h3>Conclusion:</h3> This marks the first Pan-American study evaluating the gender-related challenges female rheumatologists face in the region. Various barriers were discovered, primarily affecting female rheumatologists who are mothers in their medical practices. However, no significant associations were identified between individual characteristics and gender-related experiences. Further research is needed to investigate underlying factors and devise targeted interventions to promote gender equity in rheumatology. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>