Background: Although studies of Japanese residents have reported high prevalences of sexual harassment, the experiences of medical students during clinical clerkships remain unknown. This study examined the prevalence, reporting behaviors, and counseling-seeking actions of Japanese medical students who experienced sexual harassment. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year residents shortly after graduation from medical school in Japan. Those who completed the 2023 General Medicine In-Training Examination were invited to participate in an anonymous online questionnaire. Data on demographics, sexual harassment experiences, and subsequent reporting behaviors were collected. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. Results: Among 431 residents, 39 (9.0%) experienced sexual harassment, comprising 20.2% women and 4.6% men ( p < 0.001). Gender harassment (7.4%) and unwanted sexual attention (3.2%) were the most common types of sexual harassment experienced. Among those who experienced sexual harassment, only 5.0% reported the incidents to the designated departments. Notably, 76.9% of the residents indicated they would not formally report sexual harassment regardless of their knowledge of the reporting structures. Approximately half (48.7%) of the residents who experienced sexual harassment disclosed the incident to others; friends were most frequently consulted. None of the residents who consulted with their supervising teachers formally reported the incident. Conclusions: Although 9.0% of first-year residents experienced sexual harassment during their medical school clinical clerkships, reporting rates were exceptionally low. Investigating the reasons victims refrain from reporting and the obstacles they encounter when they do is crucial. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a safe and supportive medical resident environment.
Suzuki et al. (Thu,) studied this question.