Acoso sexual callejero en estudiantes de la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca Matriz, de primero a tercer ciclo, 2024-2025

Abstract

Introduction: Street harassment represents a public health problem that disproportionately affects young women, impacting their physical, psychological, and social well-being. The main objective of this study is to describe the characteristics and modalities of street harassment in students of the first three cycles of the Medicine Degree Program at the Catholic University of Cuenca during the academic period 2024-2025. Methodology: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was designed in a population of 661 students, selecting a random sample of 188 participants using specific inclusion criteria. The modalities of harassment, classified as physical, verbal, and non-verbal harassment, were evaluated using the SPSS program and the Street Sexual Harassment Scale (EASC, by its Spanish acronym) as an evaluation instrument. Compliance with ethical principles was guaranteed through informed consent and approval from the institutional ethics committee (CEISH, by its Spanish acronym). Results: Eighty-six point five percent (86.5%) of the people surveyed reported having suffered street harassment, with women being the most vulnerable group. The most frequent modalities included verbal harassment and exhibitionism. Although physical and high-intensity forms of harassment were less frequent, they had a greater emotional impact on the victims. The most affected group corresponded to young people aged between 18 and 20. Conclusions: The high prevalence of street harassment highlights the need to implement preventive and educational strategies at the university focused on raising awareness and promoting safe spaces. This phenomenon of public health relevance highlights the urgency of institutional policies that promote gender equity and respect.