Level of Discrimination Experienced by Gender in Athletic Trainers and Professional Athletic Training Students

Context: Although women make up the majority of the athletic training field, gender-based discrimination continues to exist in the profession. Previous research exists; however, more current research on gender discrimination in the workplace is limited. This cross-sectional study examined level of perceived gender-based discrimination experienced by credentialed women athletic trainers and athletic training students in comparison to men athletic trainers and athletic training students. Four hundred forty-six cisgender men and women athletic trainers and athletic training students participated in our study. The median age was 28 years among cisgender women and 35 years among cisgender men. Methods: Participants completed a 10-minute survey containing a demographics section and an adapted version of the Workplace Prejudice/Discrimination Inventory, which measures gender-based and intersectional workplace barriers. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to discern differences in discrimination in athletic trainers and professional athletic training students who identify as cisgender women in comparison to those who identify as cisgender men, as well as to discern perceived differences by gender in item level responses. Results: Results indicated discrimination was greater for women (Medcw = 60) compared to men (Medcm = 52), U(Ncw = 343, Ncm = 103) = 7767.00, z = -8.64, P < .001. Mann Whitney U outcomes for each item by gender were significant except for item 10 of the Adapted Workplace Prejudice/Discrimination Inventory. Conclusions: These findings suggest discrimination against women continues to exist in the field of athletic training among all ages and across various positions and practice settings. Cisgender women perceive higher rates of gender prejudice and unfair treatment more than the cisgender men in their profession. Interventions to reduce these should include strong mentorship from people of the same gender, greater focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion within athletic training, and improving policy in and outside of athletic training programs.