Workplace violence as a predictor of work-related stress among doctors

Abstract

Introduction: Workplace violence (WPV) toward health-care workers is increasing. The present study aims to estimate the proportion of resident doctors and interns of a tertiary care hospital who experienced WPV, to find out the perpetrators of WPV, and to ascertain any association between WPV and work-related stress. Materials and Methods: This observational, institution-based, cross-sectional study included resident doctors and interns working in six different departments of a tertiary care hospital. Data collection was done using a predesigned, pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire adapted and validated from the "WPV in the health sector survey questionnaire" from WHO along with "Perceived occupational stress scale." Results: Out of 323 participants, 247 (76.47%) experienced some form of WPV, 138 (42.72%) experienced physical violence and 203 (62.85%) experienced psychological violence. Patient relatives were reported as the only perpetrators of physical violence, while seniors of the study subjects were reported as main perpetrators of psychological violence. One hundred and thirty-four (42%) individuals reported work-related stress. On multivariate analysis, psychological violence was significantly associated with work-related stress. Conclusion: WPV was experienced by a high proportion of study subjects. Psychological violence was more frequently experienced, and senior colleagues were deemed responsible in most cases. WPV may be associated with work-related stress.