Factors associated with perception of harassment in interns, trainees and residents of Veracruz

Abstract Background Harassment among resident physicians remains prevalent, with reports of abuse at 20% in Mexico, potentially creating a hostile learning environment that does not foster comprehensive learning for students. Objectives To determine the factors associated with harassment among interns, medical interns, and residents in Veracruz. Methods This is a prospective cross-sectional study, including interns, social service interns, and residents in the state of Veracruz, excluding those diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder or mythomania. Workplace harassment was assessed using the Cisneros scale (Cronbach’s alpha 0.98), in addition to perceptions of workplace, psychological, and sexual harassment. Within the statistical analysis, the association was determined using chi-square test, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval (OR/CI95%). Results A total of 81 participants were included, with a perception of workplace harassment in 42% and sexual harassment in 51.9%; the Cisneros scale shows 2.5% of subjects free from any harassment behavior. Female gender showed association with workplace harassment (0.7/0.01-0.2); meanwhile, attending a public university (OR: 0.22 / CI: 0.07-0.6) and being a pregraduate intern (OR:2.6/CI:1.03-6.6) were associated with perception of psychological harassment. Furthermore, being female (OR:9.28/CI:3.3-25.4), bisexual (OR:11.8/CI:1.4-97.8), a pregraduate intern (OR:3.44/CI:1.32-8.97), an R1 resident (OR:0.09/CI:0.01-0.79), and being affiliated with Veracruz (OR:2.6/CI:1.05-6.58) or Xalapa (OR:0.1-CI:0.05-0.7) were identified with association for experiencing sexual harassment (p < 0.05). Conclusions Gender and level of education are the main factors associated with harassment, while the type of university of origin plays an important role in psychological harassment, warranting further study of these interactions while considering the limitations of this research. Key messages • The results of this research show that the roles of violence within hospital medical education are still maintained despite the social evolution with respect to gender roles and equality. • It is necessary to promote the culture of denunciation and offer courses to eliminate abuse and promote equality and respect among hospital staff.