DIFFICULTIES FACED BY FEMALE FACULTY MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY AND UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE TEACHING HOSPITAL WHILE COMMUTING TO WORK

Abstract

Background: Commuting is an important aspect of modern working life and has a substantial impact on the physical, psychological, and professional well-being of employees. Female healthcare workers frequently face multiple commuting-related difficulties including traffic congestion, inadequate public transportation, long travel durations, overcrowding, and fear of harassment. In developing countries such as Pakistan, these barriers may negatively influence women’s occupational performance and work-life balance.

Objective: To determine the difficulties faced by female faculty members working at University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD) and University of Lahore Teaching Hospital (ULTH) while commuting to work.

Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at UCMD and ULTH, Lahore, Pakistan, over a period of six months. A total of 250 female participants including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and basic sciences faculty members were recruited through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire developed after an extensive literature review and pilot testing. Sociodemographic characteristics, transportation modes, commuting duration, and commuting-related difficulties were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were applied where appropriate. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Conclusion: Female healthcare faculty members experience considerable difficulties while commuting to work, which may adversely affect their health, workplace efficiency, and personal lives. Improving transportation safety, accessibility, and gender-sensitive travel policies may help promote sustainable mobility and better working conditions for women in healthcare settings.