Prevalence and determinants of physical violence against doctors in Bangladeshi tertiary care hospitals

Abstract

Background The increasing physical violence against doctors in the health sector has become an alarming global problem and a key concern for the health system in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of physical violence against doctors in Bangladeshi tertiary care hospitals. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed among 406 doctors working in tertiary care hospitals. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the binary logistic regression model was employed for predicting physical violence against doctors. Results Of the participants, 50 (12.3%) doctors reported being exposed to physical violence in 12 months prior to the survey. According to logistic regression analysis, aged less than 30 years or younger, male and never-married doctors were prone to physical violence. Similarly, doctors from public hospitals and those worked in emergency departments were at higher risk of physical violence. More than 70% of victims reported that patients’ relatives were the main perpetrators. Two-thirds of the victims referred to violence in the hospitals as a grave concern. Conclusions Physical violence against doctors is relatively common in the emergency departments and public hospitals in Bangladesh. This study found that male and younger doctors were at high risk of exposing physical violence. To prevent hospital violence, authorities must develop human resources, bolster patient protocol and offer physician training.

Violence against physicians working in public tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh: a facility-based cross-sectional study

“…Additionally, shortages of medicines and supplies, dissatisfaction with treatment, care delays, inadequate security and unrealistic patient expectations contribute to this situation 25 26. Previous studies have revealed profound impacts of WPV on healthcare professionals, including a strong desire to leave the profession, job dissatisfaction, decreased work performance, work–life imbalance, feelings of anger, depression, fear, stress, loss of self-confidence, suicidal tendencies and a diminished quality of life 12 13 21. These findings underscore the complex and severe repercussions of WPV, affecting both the professional and personal spheres of individuals in the healthcare sector.…”

“…Moreover, being a male doctor, serving in entry-level positions such as intern doctors and emergency duty doctors, and working in public hospitals were found to have higher associations with exposure to WPV 11. Another nationwide study in Bangladesh revealed that 12.3% of physicians employed in tertiary hospitals encountered physical violence and over 70% of victims identified patient’s relatives as the primary instigators 13. While previous studies have addressed the prevalence, associated factors, consequences and instigators of WPV among healthcare professionals, our study focused specifically on a vulnerable subgroup: physicians in training or in the early to mid-level stages of their careers.…”

“… 11 Another nationwide study in Bangladesh revealed that 12.3% of physicians employed in tertiary hospitals encountered physical violence and over 70% of victims identified patient’s relatives as the primary instigators. 13 While previous studies have addressed the prevalence, associated factors, consequences and instigators of WPV among healthcare professionals, our study focused specifically on a vulnerable subgroup: physicians in training or in the early to mid-level stages of their careers. This particular subgroup faces unique challenges and vulnerabilities in their professional journey, leading to a distinct pattern of WPV experiences.…”

Effect of workplace violence on health workers injuries and workplace absenteeism in Bangladesh

“…The health sector encompasses various jobs, ranging from home care aid to hospital services; therefore, it poses risks of violence due to interaction between HWs and patients [ 2 , 3 ]. A shocking finding revealed by international studies is that the health system has the highest risk of WPV [ 1 – 4 ] and in some cases, causes physical injuries and even death among HWs [ 4 – 7 ]. Even more concerning is that the severity of these injuries and fatalities is prevalent in both developed and developing countries [ 7 – 10 ].…”

“…A shocking finding revealed by international studies is that the health system has the highest risk of WPV [ 1 – 4 ] and in some cases, causes physical injuries and even death among HWs [ 4 – 7 ]. Even more concerning is that the severity of these injuries and fatalities is prevalent in both developed and developing countries [ 7 – 10 ].…”