Islamophobia and discrimination: Did it differ between Muslim and non-Muslim healthcare professionals in Australia?
1
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Berwick, Australia
2
School of Health Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
3
Australian Islamic Medical Association, Melbourne, Australia
4
Inglis Medical Centre, Sale, Australia
5
Department of Paediatrics, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Evidence on the experiences of Islamophobia and discrimination among healthcare professionals in Australia is almost non-existent. This study aimed to identify levels and predictors of perceived Islamophobia, degree of religiosity, perceived discrimination and psychological distress among healthcare professionals in Australia.
METHODS:
An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with any healthcare professionals or students/trainees of any health profession (Muslims or non-Muslims) in Australia. A validated structured questionnaire was used to examine these outcomes.
RESULTS:
A total of 358 healthcare professionals participated; 277 (85%) were Muslims, and 282 (83%) identified themselves as members of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Most of the Muslims (71%) were highly religious. The average score for Islamophobia did not differ between Muslims and non-Muslims (4 out of 6). One in ten (12%) did not have any social awareness of Islamophobia. Although the high level of exposure to discrimination was the same between Muslims and non-Muslims (13% vs. 11%), the topmost perceived reasons for discrimination were religion (74%) and race (63%) among Muslims; gender (68%) amongst non-Muslims. Muslims had higher levels of moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress than non-Muslims (60% vs. 53%). Muslims were more likely to be a member of CALD and had self-reported co-morbidities Higher levels of exposure to discrimination were associated with perceived discrimination due to ancestry, gender, physical appearance, and religion (AOR 4.79, 95% CIs 2.13-10.8), pre-existing mental health issues, and moderate to very high levels of psychological distress. Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with being female, having co-morbidities and pre-existing mental health issues, perceived discrimination due to gender, religion, physical appearance and weight, and exposure to discrimination.
CONCLUSIONS:
Factors identified in this study should be considered when updating workplace policies and support strategies for Muslim and non-Muslim healthcare professionals in Australia to reduce Islamophobia and discrimination.
Evidence on the experiences of Islamophobia and discrimination among healthcare professionals in Australia is almost non-existent. This study aimed to identify levels and predictors of perceived Islamophobia, degree of religiosity, perceived discrimination and psychological distress among healthcare professionals in Australia.
METHODS:
An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with any healthcare professionals or students/trainees of any health profession (Muslims or non-Muslims) in Australia. A validated structured questionnaire was used to examine these outcomes.
RESULTS:
A total of 358 healthcare professionals participated; 277 (85%) were Muslims, and 282 (83%) identified themselves as members of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Most of the Muslims (71%) were highly religious. The average score for Islamophobia did not differ between Muslims and non-Muslims (4 out of 6). One in ten (12%) did not have any social awareness of Islamophobia. Although the high level of exposure to discrimination was the same between Muslims and non-Muslims (13% vs. 11%), the topmost perceived reasons for discrimination were religion (74%) and race (63%) among Muslims; gender (68%) amongst non-Muslims. Muslims had higher levels of moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress than non-Muslims (60% vs. 53%). Muslims were more likely to be a member of CALD and had self-reported co-morbidities Higher levels of exposure to discrimination were associated with perceived discrimination due to ancestry, gender, physical appearance, and religion (AOR 4.79, 95% CIs 2.13-10.8), pre-existing mental health issues, and moderate to very high levels of psychological distress. Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with being female, having co-morbidities and pre-existing mental health issues, perceived discrimination due to gender, religion, physical appearance and weight, and exposure to discrimination.
CONCLUSIONS:
Factors identified in this study should be considered when updating workplace policies and support strategies for Muslim and non-Muslim healthcare professionals in Australia to reduce Islamophobia and discrimination.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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