[Experienced individual discrimination among nursing professionals with and without migration background: a cross-sectional study].

Overview

This cross-sectional study examined experienced individual discrimination among nursing professionals in German healthcare settings, comparing those with and without migration backgrounds. The research utilized the Everyday Discrimination Scale to assess discrimination experiences in patient interactions across two hospital and two nursing care facility sites. The investigation was motivated by a limited empirical evidence base on discrimination experiences among nursing professionals in Germany, with previous research concentrated primarily in qualitative methodologies.

Methods and approach

A quantitative cross-sectional online survey was administered from July to October 2022 across four healthcare facilities in Germany. The study population comprised 302 nursing professionals, including 73 with migration backgrounds and 229 without migration backgrounds. The Everyday Discrimination Scale was employed as the primary measurement instrument. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to characterize discrimination experiences and their attributed causes.

Results

Nursing professionals with migration backgrounds reported experiencing discriminatory behaviors at higher frequencies across nearly all measured dimensions compared to those without migration backgrounds, with experiences occurring at least weekly or almost daily. However, these observed differences did not reach statistical significance. Both groups attributed discrimination experiences to gender and age as primary factors. Nursing professionals with migration backgrounds additionally reported discrimination based on ethnic origin, representing a distinguishing dimension of their experiences.

Implications

The findings demonstrate that discrimination in patient interactions represents a widespread occupational experience across nursing professionals regardless of migration status, with distinct patterns emerging relative to demographic and ethnic characteristics. The absence of statistical significance despite observed differences suggests the need for larger sample populations and more refined analytical approaches in future investigations. The results establish an empirical foundation for expanded research incorporating qualitative methodologies to contextualize and elucidate mechanisms underlying discrimination experiences in nursing practice environments.