# Gendered time use among specializing medical doctors at Makerere University, Uganda: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

Female medical doctors in Uganda spend more time on unpaid domestic work and less on leisure than men, with parenting increasing these disparities.

## Contribution

This study explores gendered time use among specialist doctors in sub-Saharan Africa, a previously under-researched area.

## Key findings

- Women spent 1 more hour/day on unpaid domestic work and 3 fewer hours/week on leisure than men.
- Women with children spent more time on paid work and unpaid domestic tasks than men with children.
- The study highlights how parenting amplifies gender disparities in time use among medical specialists.

## Abstract

Previous research shows that gendered differences in time use unfairly impact women’s career advancement and influence workforce management. Despite a growing body of literature on gendered time use, the topic has not been well documented among specializing medical doctors in sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda.

This study was conducted among specialist medical doctors at Makerere University to: (i) analyze gendered differences in time use for paid and unpaid activities and (ii) assess whether parenting influences time use.

The study sample comprised 244 medical doctors pursuing graduate specialist programs in 2024. The data collection, which utilized a self-administered questionnaire, assessed socio-demographic factors and self-reported time spent on paid work, unpaid domestic work, unpaid care for household members, studying, socializing, and leisure activities. Quantile regression analysis, with 95% confidence intervals, was used to compare median differences in reported time use across various activities for men and women.

Compared to men, women reported spending more time on unpaid domestic work (2 vs 1 h/day: 95% CI: 0.6, 1.4) and less time on leisure activities (4 vs 7 h/week: 95% CI: −5.3, −0.8). Women with children spent more time on paid work than their male counterparts. Women with children reported spending half a day more on paid work and an additional hour on unpaid domestic work compared to men with children.

This gender imbalance in time use could negatively impact the career progression and well-being of female doctors and further reinforce gender inequalities in the medical workforce in Uganda.

Main finding: Female specialist medical doctors in Uganda spend significantly more time on unpaid domestic work and less on leisure and study than their male counterparts, with parenting responsibilities further widening these disparities.Added Knowledge: This study provides insights from a low-income country context on how gendered time-use patterns intersect with parenting to influence professional and personal time allocation among specialist doctors. This topic has not been explored in sub-Saharan Africa.Global health impact for policy and action: This study provides evidence to inform gender-responsive policies, flexible work arrangements, and equitable career pathways.

Main finding: Female specialist medical doctors in Uganda spend significantly more time on unpaid domestic work and less on leisure and study than their male counterparts, with parenting responsibilities further widening these disparities.

Added Knowledge: This study provides insights from a low-income country context on how gendered time-use patterns intersect with parenting to influence professional and personal time allocation among specialist doctors. This topic has not been explored in sub-Saharan Africa.

Global health impact for policy and action: This study provides evidence to inform gender-responsive policies, flexible work arrangements, and equitable career pathways.