Int J Med Educ. 2026 Jul 2;17:90-96. doi: 10.5116/ijme.6a31.6bd0.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study examines the prevalence and impact of bullying and sexual harassment among students in nursing and medical education programmes in Sweden.
METHODS: This cross-sectional survey targeted students from 38 universities. A total of 18,582 individuals responded to the questionnaire, yielding a 25% response rate. The sample included students enrolled in nursing (N = 1,083) and medical (N = 431) programmes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and two-sample t-tests.
RESULTS: Among female students who experienced bullying, higher levels of stress ( t (1188) = 4.91, p < .001), burnout (t(1188) = 5.83, p < .001), and intention to quit studies ( t (1186) = 4.30, p < .001) were reported. Bullied male students showed elevated stress ( t (317) = 3.15, p = .002), burnout ( t (317) = 3.49, p < .001), and intention to quit ( t (316) = 3.67, p < .001). Female students who experienced sexual harassment reported increased stress ( t (1185) = 4.02, p < .001), burnout ( t (1185) = 4.10, p < .001), and intention to quit ( t (1184) = 2.73, p = .006). In contrast, sexually harassed male students reported higher stress ( t (314) = 2.04, p = .042), but no significant differences in burnout ( t (314) = 0.80, p = .425) or intention to quit ( t (314) = 1.86, p = .064). Students from the nursing- and medical programme reported a higher prevalence of bullying and sexual harassment than other students.
CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence and detrimental effects of bullying and sexual harassment in nursing and medical education, targeted interventions are needed to prevent and address these behaviours.
PMID:42402223 | DOI:10.5116/ijme.6a31.6bd0
