Perception of mistreatment in resident physicians of a reference Hospital in Paraguay

Abstract

Introduction:

Abuse is a problem that the world has been suffering and sustaining for centuries and the health sector is not exempt from such injury. In Latin America there is a high rate of mistreatment in doctors.

Objectives:

To determine the perception of mistreatment in resident doctors of a national reference hospital in Paraguay during 2020.

Materials and methods:

Cross-sectional study was carried out, where 240 residents of the different specialties of a national referral hospital were included.

Results:

240 residents entered the study, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 1.6. 52.08% (125) were male. Regarding psychological abuse, 98.33% (236) received criticism or humiliation, 92.08% (221) have been the victim of shouting and 39% (94) on duty as punishment. Regarding physical abuse, 9% (22) of the residents received blows or shoves. 7.92% (19) reported having received sexual comments about their body or part of it and 2% (5) having been exposed to pornographic material, evidencing abuse of a sexual nature. In relation to the perpetrator of the total abuse episodes, which corresponds to 48.85% (594), the Senior Resident has been identified as the main author.

Conclusion:

There is an alarming frequency of abuse in the professional training of resident doctors. Psychological abuse stands out in a greater proportion and the Senior Resident as the main perpetrator.