Bullying among trainee doctors in Southern India: a questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND Workplace bullying is an important and serious issue in a healthcare setting because of its potential impact on the welfare of care-providers as well as the consumers. AIMS To gauge the extent of bullying among the medical community in India; as a subsidiary objective, to assess the personality trait of the bullying victims. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A cross-sectional, anonymous, self-reported questionnaire survey was undertaken among a convenient sample of all the trainee doctors at a Government Medical College in Tamil Nadu, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire, in English with standard written explanation of bullying was used. Basic information like age, sex, job grade and the specialty in case of Postgraduates (PGs) were also collected. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The results were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square test for comparison of frequencies. RESULTS A total of 174 doctors (115 PGs and 59 junior doctors), took part in the study with a cent percent response. Nearly half of the surveyed population reported being subjected to bullying. Nearly 54 (53%) of the men and 35 (48%) of women were subjected to bullying. Significant proportions (P < 0.0001) of medical personnel and paramedical staff bullied the PGs and junior doctors, respectively. More than 85 (90%) of bullying incidents went unreported. A significant (P < 0.0001) percentage of PGs and junior doctors revealed a personality trait towards bully. CONCLUSIONS Workplace bullying is common among trainee doctors and usually goes unreported.