Workplace violence against resident doctors: A multicentric study from government medical colleges of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, between 8% and 38% of health workers suffer physical violence at some point in their careers. This multicentric study was conducted to find the prevalence, perceived risk factors, and measures to prevent workplace violence among doctors. The sample consisted of all 2nd- and 3rd-year resident doctors (n = 305) from three colleges in Uttar Pradesh. An anonymous, pretested in a similar setting, self-administered questionnaire was used. 69.5% of doctors reported to have experienced violence in one or other form in the past 1 year. In most incidents, relatives and attendants (69.3%) were involved in violence. No action was taken immediately in regard to violence in 35.3% of instances; 60.3% of study participants reported that they had repeated disturbing memories, thoughts, or images of the attack. Nonavailability of medicines (38.6%) and less staff (36.7%) were cited as top reasons behind violence.

Keywords

• Health-care workers
• physical violence
• verbal abuse
• workplace violence