Experiences and perceptions of sexism in dementia research careers: A global cross-sectional survey

IF 13 1区医学 Q1 CLINICAL NEUROLOGY

Alzheimer's & Dementia Pub Date : 2025-04-12 DOI:10.1002/alz.70123

Adam Smith, Charlèss Dupont, Diana Karamacoska, Sara Laureen Bartels, Elizabeth A. English, Nathan M. D'Cunha, Darina V. Petrovsky, C. Elizabeth Shaaban

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Sexism is prevalent in academia and is a crucial factor driving women out of the academic workforce. However, sexism in dementia research remains underexplored. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of early-career dementia researchers (ECDRs) with sexism in the field.

METHODS

In September/October 2021, a global online survey was conducted targeting ECDRs. The survey assessed their career experiences, including sexism, and was distributed through networks, social media, and e-mail lists. Responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

Of the 345 respondents, more than half of the female ECDRs (52%) reported facing sexism in their careers, ranging from overt discrimination to subtle biases. Experiences varied by career stage and location, and many ECDRs reported a lack of institutional support.

DISCUSSION

These findings reveal the prevalent nature of sexism in dementia research and highlight the need for targeted interventions to foster a more inclusive research environment.

Highlights

A global survey revealed 52% of female early-career dementia researchers experience sexism.
Subtle sexism, like microaggressions, impacts confidence, and collaboration choices.
Experiences of sexism vary by geography, with North America reporting higher prevalence.
Assistant professors report higher rates of institutional and overt sexism.
Findings emphasize the need for policies addressing implicit bias and sex inequality.

Abstract Image

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痴呆症研究生涯中性别歧视的经验和看法：一项全球横断面调查

性别歧视在学术界很普遍，是导致女性离开学术队伍的一个关键因素。然而，痴呆症研究中的性别歧视问题仍未得到充分探讨。本研究旨在了解早期职业痴呆研究人员（ECDRs）对该领域性别歧视的看法和经验。方法：2021年9月/ 10月，开展了一项针对ecdr的全球在线调查。该调查评估了他们的职业经历，包括性别歧视，并通过网络、社交媒体和电子邮件列表发布。使用描述性和推断性统计分析反应。结果在345名受访者中，超过一半的女性ecdr（52%）表示在职业生涯中面临性别歧视，从公开的歧视到微妙的偏见。经历因职业阶段和地点而异，许多ecdr报告缺乏机构支持。这些发现揭示了痴呆症研究中普遍存在的性别歧视，并强调了有针对性的干预措施以促进更具包容性的研究环境的必要性。一项全球调查显示，52%的女性早期痴呆症研究人员经历过性别歧视。微妙的性别歧视，比如微侵犯，会影响信心和合作选择。性别歧视的经历因地域而异，北美报告的患病率更高。助理教授报告说，受到制度性和公开性别歧视的比例更高。调查结果强调需要制定解决隐性偏见和性别不平等问题的政策。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Alzheimer's & Dementia 医学-临床神经学

CiteScore

14.50

自引率

5.00%

发文量

299

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： Alzheimer's & Dementia is a peer-reviewed journal that aims to bridge knowledge gaps in dementia research by covering the entire spectrum, from basic science to clinical trials to social and behavioral investigations. It provides a platform for rapid communication of new findings and ideas, optimal translation of research into practical applications, increasing knowledge across diverse disciplines for early detection, diagnosis, and intervention, and identifying promising new research directions. In July 2008, Alzheimer's & Dementia was accepted for indexing by MEDLINE, recognizing its scientific merit and contribution to Alzheimer's research.