Risk factors for sexual harassment in Higher Education Institutions

Authors

  • Gabriela Belén Maldonado Montoya Facultad de Salud Pública. Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Chimborazo, Ecuador.
  • Rosa Del Carmen Saeteros Hernández Facultad de Salud Pública. Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Chimborazo, Ecuador.
  • Martha Cecilia Mejía Paredes Facultad de Salud Pública. Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Chimborazo, Ecuador.
  • Diana Ximena Ochoa Saeteros Facultad de Salud Pública. Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Chimborazo, Ecuador

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47187/cssn.Vol15.Iss1.282

Keywords:

Sexual Harassment, University, Students, College, Risk, Factors, Ecuador, Prevalence

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual harassment is a serious problem present in higher education institutions at both regional and local levels, with acute and chronic consequences on the mental health of victims. Hence, timely intervention is urgently needed to enable its detection and prevention. Objective: To provide an updated synthesis of the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of sexual harassment among higher education students at regional and local levels. Methods: A qualitative systematic literature review of observational scientific articles at regional and local levels published in the last 5 years on the prevalence of sexual harassment and in the previous 15 years on the consequences of sexual harassment among higher education students, available in the search engines PubMed and Scielo, was conducted. Results: 241 associated results were obtained, of which only 30 met the inclusion criteria for the preparation of this review. Discussion: Female gender, gender minorities (GLBTI), rural residence, and early age are the main risk factors for experiencing sexual harassment in higher education institutions, with severe consequences on the mental health of victims, such as anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, eating disorders, among others. Conclusions: Sexual harassment in higher education institutions in Ecuador requires further studies in our locality, with a multidisciplinary approach enabling effective intervention and prevention models.

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Published

2024-07-23

How to Cite

Maldonado Montoya , G. B., Saeteros Hernández , R. D. C., Mejía Paredes , M. C., & Ochoa Saeteros , D. X. (2024). Risk factors for sexual harassment in Higher Education Institutions. LA CIENCIA AL SERVICIO DE LA SALUD Y NUTRICIÓN, 15(1), C_167–175. https://doi.org/10.47187/cssn.Vol15.Iss1.282

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