1Masters of Hospital Administration, Universitas Pelita Harapan. Email: moonafhr@gmail.com, shafadila20@gmail.com
2*Accounting Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Pelita Harapan. Email: lina.fe@uph.edu
This systematic review examines married female physicians' experiences in managing dual roles as healthcare professionals and family members, focusing on work–family conflict, gender norms, and work–life balance. Through a comprehensive literature search and a multi-step selection process, 22 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria, providing empirical evidence across diverse national and cultural contexts. The findings show that married female physicians often experience work–family conflict stemming from long working hours, demanding professional expectations, domestic responsibilities, and emotional strain. Gender norms and social expectations intensify these challenges by reinforcing the belief that women should prioritize family over career, often leading to questions about their professional commitment. Variations in experiences depend on career stage, children's age, and spousal support, highlighting the importance of contextual and intersectional factors in achieving work–life balance. Individual strategies such as time management, task prioritization, and self-care are commonly employed, while institutional measures such as schedule flexibility, leave policies, childcare facilities, and wellness programs significantly reduce stress and enhance psychological well-being. Although the included studies demonstrate methodological rigor and a focus on gender dynamics, limitations remain, particularly the predominance of cross-sectional designs and self-reported data. The findings underscore the need for gender-responsive policies, institutional support, and family-oriented interventions to promote the career sustainability and psychological well-being of married female physicians. By addressing structural barriers and strengthening organizational support, healthcare institutions can foster a more equitable professional environment that enables female physicians to balance professional and domestic roles effectively.
Keywords: married female doctors, work–family conflict, gender norms, work–life balance, coping strategies, institutional support.
How to cite this article: Fahira M, Shafa AN, Lina. Navigating Dual Roles: Work–Family Conflict, Gender Norms, and Work–Life Balance among Married Female Doctors (A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis). Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(2): 826-841. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.2.90
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None