Gender differences in family responsibilities and work–life balance among dentists in Taiwan

Background

Work–life balance (WLB) is an increasing concern in health workforce policy. This study examined gender differences in family matters affecting work, affected work domains, and their associations with WLB satisfaction among dentists in Taiwan.

Methods

This nationwide cross-sectional survey included 1,146 dentists. Respondents reported whether family matters affected work arrangements and identified the family matters and work domains involved. Family matters included childcare, care for older family members, grocery shopping, family gatherings/outings, meal preparation, and housework. Work domains included working hours, working times, workplace location, practice setting, outreach services, research/teaching, advanced education/training, and promotion. WLB satisfaction was measured using a five-point Likert scale. Models adjusted for age, gender, clinical career stage, workplace type, and specialty status, with gender interaction terms.

Results

Female dentists more often reported family matters affecting work choices than male dentists (77% vs 65%) and had more affected work domains on average (2.38 vs 1.80). They also more often reported grocery shopping, meal preparation, and housework as work-affecting family matters. After adjustment, family matters affecting work were associated with poorer WLB satisfaction in both genders, with a stronger association among male dentists (OR = 2.77, 95% CI, 2.00–3.85) than female dentists (OR = 1.56, 95% CI, 1.06–2.30). Each additional affected work domain increased the odds of poorer WLB satisfaction in male dentists (OR = 1.29, 95% CI, 1.19–1.40) and female dentists (OR = 1.13, 95% CI, 1.05–1.22), with significant gender differences.

Conclusions

Family matters constrain dentists’ work arrangements and are linked to poorer WLB satisfaction, with different consequences by gender. Workforce policies should address family responsibilities to promote sustainable dental careers.

Key messages

• Family matters commonly affected dentists’ work arrangements in Taiwan, with female dentists reporting more frequent and broader work constraints.

• Family matters affecting work were associated with poorer WLB satisfaction in both genders, but the association was stronger among male dentists.