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1- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
2- Disasters and Emergencies Group, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. ,ebrahimian.aa@gmail.com
3- Instructor, Nursing and Midwifery School, Uremia university of medical sciences, Uremia, Iran. & Nursing Care Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
2- Disasters and Emergencies Group, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. ,
3- Instructor, Nursing and Midwifery School, Uremia university of medical sciences, Uremia, Iran. & Nursing Care Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
Abstract: (48 Views)
Background: Gender equality is a foundational aspect of the nursing profession. However, there is limited documentation of how gender considerations were incorporated into policy-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored nurses’ perspectives on gender equality policies during the pandemic response phase.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 nurses working in COVID-19 wards. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, continuing until data saturation. Data were analyzed following Graneheim and Lundman’s method.
Results: The central theme identified was "gender inequality in management policies and resource allocation," derived from four categories: inefficient management, inequality in interactions, inequality in resource management, and inadequate attention to staff needs. Nurses reported experiencing gender bias in decision-making and observed unequal access to resources and support during the pandemic.
Discussion: Participants highlighted systemic gender disparities in management approaches during the crisis, including ineffective leadership and inequitable resource distribution. These findings are consistent with global evidence on gender-based inequalities during emergencies. To address these issues, the study recommends establishing gender-balanced leadership teams, implementing routine audits of resource distribution, and providing training in gender-sensitive management for healthcare administrators.
Conclusion: Nurses perceived significant gender inequality in policy-making during the COVID-19 response phase. Health system leaders and policymakers should prioritize gender equity in all stages of disaster preparedness and response. Further research is necessary to explore gender perspectives in similar high-stress healthcare environments.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 nurses working in COVID-19 wards. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, continuing until data saturation. Data were analyzed following Graneheim and Lundman’s method.
Results: The central theme identified was "gender inequality in management policies and resource allocation," derived from four categories: inefficient management, inequality in interactions, inequality in resource management, and inadequate attention to staff needs. Nurses reported experiencing gender bias in decision-making and observed unequal access to resources and support during the pandemic.
Discussion: Participants highlighted systemic gender disparities in management approaches during the crisis, including ineffective leadership and inequitable resource distribution. These findings are consistent with global evidence on gender-based inequalities during emergencies. To address these issues, the study recommends establishing gender-balanced leadership teams, implementing routine audits of resource distribution, and providing training in gender-sensitive management for healthcare administrators.
Conclusion: Nurses perceived significant gender inequality in policy-making during the COVID-19 response phase. Health system leaders and policymakers should prioritize gender equity in all stages of disaster preparedness and response. Further research is necessary to explore gender perspectives in similar high-stress healthcare environments.
guideline: Research |
Subject:
Qualitative
Received: 2025/03/1 | Accepted: 2025/06/16 | Published: 2025/07/19
Received: 2025/03/1 | Accepted: 2025/06/16 | Published: 2025/07/19
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This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-By-NC), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
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This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-By-NC), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Contact Information
