A Cross-sectional study on workplace violence against doctors in Goa, a growing threat?

Introduction: Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare professionals is a global concern, encompassing threats, verbal abuse, physical assaults, and even homicide. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of WPV experienced by doctors in Goa from January 2023 to December 2023, assess its psychosocial impact, and evaluate its influence on the quality of patient care. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2023 involving 270 Doctors of Modern Medicine practicing in Goa for at least one year. Participants were randomly selected and had a minimum qualification of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Data was collected through a semi-structured anonymous questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Statistical significance was determined using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests. Results: The prevalence of WPV among doctors was 38.5%, with the highest occurrence in the 20–30 years age group (63.4%). Verbal abuse (36.2%) and threats (7.03%) were the most frequent forms of violence. Government-sector doctors (68.2%) faced higher incidences of WPV compared to their private-sector counterparts. Half of the participants who experienced WPV reported negative impacts on their personal and mental well-being. However, nearly all respondents stated that WPV did not compromise the quality of care they provided to patients. Conclusion: WPV is a significant issue for doctors in Goa, particularly among younger and government-sector practitioners. While WPV affects personal well-being, it does not seem to impact patient care, highlighting the urgent need for targeted preventive strategies.