Islamophobia and discrimination: Experience of Muslim healthcare professionals in Australia
1
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Berwick, Australia
2
School of Health Science and Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
3
Department of Health, 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:
Islamophobia, although existed for many years, has sharply increased recently. Evidence on the experiences of Islamophobia and discrimination among healthcare professionals in Australia is non-existent. This study aimed to identify levels and predictors of perceived Islamophobia, perceived discrimination and psychological distress among Muslim healthcare professionals in Australia.
METHODS:
An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with Muslim healthcare professionals in Australia. A validated questionnaire was used to examine perceived Islamophobia, exposure to discrimination and psychological distress.
RESULTS:
A total of 277 Muslim healthcare professionals participated; 101 (37%) were from Victoria, the mean age (±SD) was 39(±11) years, 146 (53%) were males, and 253 (91%) identified themselves as member of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The average score for Islamophobia was high (4 out of 6). One in ten (13%) reported a high level of exposure to discrimination, and the topmost perceived reasons for discrimination were religion (73%) and race (62%). Nearly two-thirds of participants (60%) reported higher levels of moderate-to-very high psychological distress. Predictors of perceived Islamophobia were levels of exposure to discrimination (p<0.001), perceived discrimination due to religion (p<0.001) and race (p<0.05). Study participants who experienced higher levels of discrimination were more likely to feel discriminated against due to religion (Adjusted Odds Ratio 6.64, 95% Confidence Intervals 2.64-16.7) and physical appearance (AOR 2.73, 95%CIs 1.14-6.56); they were also more likely to report moderate to very high levels of psychological distress (AOR 2.48, 95% CIs 1.22-5.02). Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with having co-morbidities (AOR 2.08, 95% CIs 1.04-4.14) and exposure to moderate to high levels of discrimination (AOR 2.40, 95% CIs 1.18-4.87).
CONCLUSIONS:
Factors identified in this study should be considered when updating workplace policies and support strategies for healthcare professionals in Australia to mitigate the effects of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslim professionals.
Islamophobia, although existed for many years, has sharply increased recently. Evidence on the experiences of Islamophobia and discrimination among healthcare professionals in Australia is non-existent. This study aimed to identify levels and predictors of perceived Islamophobia, perceived discrimination and psychological distress among Muslim healthcare professionals in Australia.
METHODS:
An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 with Muslim healthcare professionals in Australia. A validated questionnaire was used to examine perceived Islamophobia, exposure to discrimination and psychological distress.
RESULTS:
A total of 277 Muslim healthcare professionals participated; 101 (37%) were from Victoria, the mean age (±SD) was 39(±11) years, 146 (53%) were males, and 253 (91%) identified themselves as member of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The average score for Islamophobia was high (4 out of 6). One in ten (13%) reported a high level of exposure to discrimination, and the topmost perceived reasons for discrimination were religion (73%) and race (62%). Nearly two-thirds of participants (60%) reported higher levels of moderate-to-very high psychological distress. Predictors of perceived Islamophobia were levels of exposure to discrimination (p<0.001), perceived discrimination due to religion (p<0.001) and race (p<0.05). Study participants who experienced higher levels of discrimination were more likely to feel discriminated against due to religion (Adjusted Odds Ratio 6.64, 95% Confidence Intervals 2.64-16.7) and physical appearance (AOR 2.73, 95%CIs 1.14-6.56); they were also more likely to report moderate to very high levels of psychological distress (AOR 2.48, 95% CIs 1.22-5.02). Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with having co-morbidities (AOR 2.08, 95% CIs 1.04-4.14) and exposure to moderate to high levels of discrimination (AOR 2.40, 95% CIs 1.18-4.87).
CONCLUSIONS:
Factors identified in this study should be considered when updating workplace policies and support strategies for healthcare professionals in Australia to mitigate the effects of Islamophobia and discrimination against Muslim professionals.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
