8292522 Occupational gender composition as a determinant of perceived discrimination

<h3>Objectives</h3> Experiences of discrimination have been shown to increase adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Prior research has examined individual-level predictors of perceived discrimination, few studies have evaluated the influence of occupational characteristics, including the gender composition of occupations. Evidence suggests that individuals working in occupations where they are the gender minority may report different patterns of exposure to discrimination, but nationally representative estimates are limited. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between occupational gender composition and self-reported discrimination among U.S. workers and to assess modifying factors of this association. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> Using data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a linear regression model was designed to estimate the relationship between occupational context and perceived discrimination. Gender composition was categorized by the gender-ratio for male- or female-dominated occupations as: low (under 25%), medium (25% - 75%), and high (more than 75%). Data analysis is still ongoing, but planned models will assess whether workers in male- or female-dominated occupations report higher levels of discrimination and whether associations differ across sociodemographic subgroups. <h3>Results</h3> This study will examine patterns of perceived discrimination in relation to occupational gender composition using a nationally representative dataset. Findings may inform future research on occupational exposures and psychosocial risk factors in workplace environments.