Gender diversity in chiropractic leadership: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to compare the number of males and females in leadership positions, and whether there is a relationship between gender and degrees held in those positions, within chiropractic academic institutions, national regulatory bodies and the most widely representative national professional associations in the United States and Canada.

Methods: Publicly accessible websites from chiropractic institutions and organizations were used to collect data. Pearson χ² tests of independence were conducted to determine the relationship between gender (male vs. female) and other variables, including position (principal vs secondary), and chiropractic and other advanced professional degrees.

Results: A total of 107 leaders were identified across institutions and organizations. Under one-third of leaders (30.8%) were identified as female. Males were more likely to be in principal leadership roles (86.2%) and more likely to be in a secondary leadership position (62.8%).

Conclusion: Male leaders significantly outnumber female leaders in both principal and secondary leadership positions within American and Canadian chiropractic institutions. Strategies should be developed to include gender diversity within all chiropractic organizations.