Sexual harassment against male nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, perpetrators, consequences, and reporting behaviors

BACKGROUND: Sexual harassment is a pervasive occupational hazard in healthcare, yet the experiences of male nurses remain insufficiently examined. PURPOSE: To systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence, forms, perpetrators, consequences, and reporting behaviors of sexual harassment towards male nurses. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA 2020. Five databases were searched for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Ten studies met inclusion criteria. DISCUSSION: The pooled prevalence of sexual harassment was 30.7%. Verbal harassment was most common and was primarily perpetrated by patients and their relatives. Reported consequences included anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, and disengagement from work. Reporting remained low (14.9%), with stigma, perceived futility, and gendered disbelief identified as major barriers. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive workplace policies, confidential and accessible reporting systems, and staff training that addresses subtle and normalized behaviors.