Workplace mistreatment and problem drinking among physicians in Sweden: a longitudinal study

Recent studies report high levels of workplace mistreatment among Swedish physicians. Various types of mistreatments have been correlated with adverse alcohol use. This study investigated the impact of workplace mistreatment (ie, threats and violence, harassment and incivility) on subsequent problem drinking among physicians in Sweden.

Data from the Longitudinal Occupational Health survey in Healthcare Sweden (LOHHCS) were used, including 1618 clinically active physicians aged <67 years. Baseline data were collected between March and June 2022, and follow-up data between October and December 2023. Associations between three different types of workplace mistreatment and problem drinking were analyzed using logistic regressions adjusted for relevant confounders.

Exposure to threats and violence [odds ratio (OR) 2.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48-5.20] and workplace incivility (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.24-8.54), respectively, significantly predicted problem drinking at follow-up. No significant association was found between harassment and problem drinking. When adjusting for co-occurring forms of mistreatment, only threats and violence remained a significant predictor.

This study reveals a significant association between exposure to threats and violence at work and workplace incivility, respectively, and subsequent problem drinking among physicians. The findings underscore the need for interventions to prevent mistreatment within the healthcare system, as well as treatment and support for individuals who have been exposed.