Perceived Workplace Bullying and Mental Health Status among Medical Residents in Iran

Nasim Torabi; Behnam Shakiba; Hamed Vaseghi; Robab Maghsoudi; Raheleh Alimoradzadeh; Shirin Irani; Parisa Dini

doi:10.18502/jimc.v5i4.11328

Nasim Torabi Department of Cardiology, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Behnam Shakiba Department of Urology, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hamed Vaseghi Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Robab Maghsoudi Department of Urology, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Raheleh Alimoradzadeh Department of Medical Geriatrics, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shirin Irani Department of Otolaryngology, Amiralam Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Parisa Dini Department of Gynecology, Firoozgar Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v5i4.11328

Keywords: Iran, Mental health, Occupational stress, Residency

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of negative act behaviors among medical residents has not yet been assessed in our country. Present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence and impact of negative act behaviors among residents of four academic hospitals in Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on medical residents in two educational hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences. An online electronic questionnaire was distributed to all clinical residents in these hospitals via WhatsApp. We used an online electronic four-part questionnaire including demographic data, Negative Act Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R), some questions on negative behaviors causes and effects, and General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12).

Results: In total, 254 completed questionnaires were received, with an overall response rate of 71%. Ninety five percent of participants had experienced negative act behaviors once or more during the last six months, whereas 91% of responders had witnessed negative act behaviors during this time. The most common source of these behaviors were senior residents (73.8% of those bullied, n=178). There was a significant positive correlation between the GHQ score and the NAQ-R score assays.

Conclusion: This study, as the first study on the prevalence of bullying and negative acts in Iranian medical residents, showed that the medical education atmosphere in residency is not optimal. Therefore, there is a need for certain interventions in the medical education environment. We recommend better education of residents and faculty members, strong policy making, situation assessment and feedback regulations as essential steps towards diminishing bullying and negative behaviors in resident training centers.