[Workplace violence as a predictor of suicidal ideation in undergraduate internal physicians].

Abstract

Introduction: The environments in which doctors in training operate have been distinguished by being rigid, hostile and routine. There is scientific evidence that people who are victims of workplace violence are more likely to suffer from depression, a disorder that has been associated with suicidal ideation.

Objective: To predict suicidal ideation as a function of depressive symptoms and workplace violence in undergraduate internal physicians.

Material and methods: The quantitative method was used through a non-experimental, cross-sectional, explanatory design with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. 117 medical students who were doing their internship in health centers in Sonora, Mexico participated. Participants responded to the Workplace Violence Scale (Mobbing), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale.

Results: A high perception of workplace violence, moderate levels of depression and low levels of suicidal ideation were identified; Workplace violence was positively and significantly associated with depression and suicidal behavior. Furthermore, it was found that violence provides more explanation for suicidal behavior compared to depression.

Conclusions: The predictive role of workplace violence in the suicidal behavior of undergraduate internal physicians is confirmed. Highlights the importance of developing prevention and intervention programs to reduce workplace violence in medical training environments.