Project Description

Author: Hasan et al.

Summary:

Background: Globally, violence against healthcare workers in hospitals are widespread. In Bangladesh, with its alarmingly low doctor-patient ratio, lack of hospital policies and underfunded healthcare systems, this study aimed to assess the extent, characteristics and underlying risk factors of workplace violence (WPV) against physicians in hospital.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for a duration of 12 months. A total of 441 physicians who worked for at least 6 months were enrolled after informed written consent was ensured. This study involved three core departments with their associated sub-departments: Medicine, Surgery and Allied, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire adapted from ‘Workplace Violence in the Health Sector: Country Case Studies Research Instruments: Survey Questionnaire’ was used to assess the workplace violence.

Results: In this study, 67.3% (n=297) experienced violence. Predominantly, bullying (48.8%) and threats (40.1%) were the prevalent forms and the mean age of the physicians exposed to violence was 32.6±4.1 (SD) years. Physicians working in emergency unit (45.8%), surgery and allied departments (54.2%), rotating shift work (70%), morning shift (59.6%) and who were postgraduate trainees (68%) were frequently exposed to violence. Placement in surgery and allied departments (p<0.001), working in rotating shifts (p<0.001), marital status (p=0.011) and being a male physician (p=0.010) were significant factors associated with workplace violence. Majority of the perpetrators of violence were relatives of the patients (66%). Working in rotating shift (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.2-5.4) and surgery and allied departments (AOR=5.75, 95% CI=3.4-9.8) were significant predictors of violence against physicians.

Conclusion: Establishing zero-tolerance policies, offering conflict resolution training and enhancing security may foster a safer, more respectful hospital work environment for physicians in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Workplace violence; Physicians; Trauma; Epidemiology; Injury; Mental health

Status: Ongoing

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