Prevalence and patterns of workplace violence against doctors of North India: a cross-sectional study

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) against physicians represents an escalating global concern, with significant implications for India. This phenomenon substantially undermines the mental health, professional morale, and clinical performance of healthcare providers. A comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, patterns, and contextual factors associated with WPV is essential to develop evidence-based prevention and mitigation strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 physicians (100 employed at a tertiary care teaching hospital and 100 in private healthcare settings) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, North India. Data were collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire assessing experiences of workplace violence, contributing factors, physicians' perceptions, and recommended preventive measures. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23. Results: Workplace violence was reported by 75% of the respondents (95% confidence interval [CI]: 68.9-81.0%), with verbal abuse representing the most prevalent form (59.33%; 95% CI: 51.4-67.1%). Violence occurred more frequently among male physicians, particularly in private healthcare settings and surgical specialties. A majority of incidents occurred during junior residency and were perpetrated by patients' relatives (68%) or organized groups (mobs). Notably, only 18% of cases were formally reported by police authorities. Conclusion: Workplace violence was highly prevalent among physicians in Uttarakhand, with verbal abuse and mob-related incidents constituting the predominant manifestations. Urgent interventions, including enhanced security measures, structured physician-patient communication programs, and stringent legal enforcement, are necessary to establish a safer and more supportive working environment for healthcare professionals.