Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Public Health
• Physician Well-being

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue globally.
• Limited research exists on the prevalence and characteristics of IPV among physicians.
• Physicians, like the general population, are susceptible to experiencing IPV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by U.S. physicians.
• To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with IPV among physicians.
• To inform the development of targeted educational and intervention strategies for physicians experiencing IPV.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter survey was conducted among 4 physician groups between 2015 and 2016.
• 400 physicians completed surveys assessing current IPV, childhood abuse, mental health, professional role, and demographics.
• Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to identify predictors of IPV.

Main Results:

• 24% of surveyed physicians reported experiencing IPV.
• Verbal abuse (15%) was the most common form, followed by physical (8%), sexual (4%), and stalking (4%).
• IPV was more prevalent in older physicians, those with a history of childhood abuse, part-time workers, and individuals diagnosed with personality disorders. Women and Asian Americans reported slightly higher rates.

Conclusions:

• Physicians experience IPV at rates comparable to or exceeding national averages.
• Findings underscore the need for universal IPV screening and education within medical settings.
• Development of specialized workplace interventions and recovery programs is crucial for supporting physicians affected by IPV.