Bullying in medicine: a cross-sectional study among intern doctors in Sri Lanka

Bullying in medicine is common and has harmful effects on the victimized professionals, their patients and the healthcare system. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of workplace bullying among intern doctors in Sri Lanka and examine its associated factors.

This was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study among intern doctors who had completed at least 6 months of internship. A self-administered questionnaire which incorporated the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 and associations were analyzed using Chi Square.

The response rate was 78.2% (n = 208). The results revealed that 76.9% of intern doctors experienced workplace bullying. All forms of workplace bullying were commonly reported by participants: work-related bullying was experienced in the form of having one's opinions ignored (56.7%, n = 118),) being ordered to do work below one's level of competence (55.3%, n = 115) and being exposed to unmanageable workload (50%, n = 104); person-related bullying was experienced in the form of being ridiculed in connection with one's work (55.8%) and persistent criticism of errors (52.4%). Almost half (48.1%, n = 100) had been subjected to hints or signals that they should quit their job. Physical intimidation was experienced by 61.1% (n = 127) and 18.3% (n = 38) reported threats of physical abuse or actual abuse. Interns that frequently felt that the assigned work was above their capacity(p < 0.001) and ethnicity (p < 0.01) were found to be significantly associated with bullying.

Bullying is commonly experienced by Sri Lankan intern doctors with many being subjected to physical intimidation. Rigorous steps should be taken to address workplace bullying to facilitate supportive work environments.