Aggression, abuse and mistreatment during medical graduation

Abstract

Objective: To assess the perceptions of medical students regarding aggression and mistreatment during their studies, identifying perpetrators, types of violence, and associating academic and sociodemographic variables. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted with 237 medical students from Minas Gerais between November 2020 and March 2021. Participants completed an online questionnaire that included sociodemographic questions and the “Perceptions of Medical Students on Their Learning Environment” questionnaire. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and univariate analysis, using Pearson's Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, with the aid of Stata, version 2.0. Results: Verbal violence, such as shouting, affected 62.1% of participants, while humiliation reached 77.9%. Punitive tasks and undue credit for work were reported by 34.2% and 66.3%, respectively. Sexual harassment and discrimination affected 59.6%, and 4.2% reported physical aggression, with 10.4% mentioning threats. Colleagues (89.2%) and professors (87.1%) were identified as the main perpetrators, including doctors and preceptors. Conclusion: The frequency of aggression was high, with depreciation or humiliation as the most common form of violence. It is necessary to implement an ethical code of conduct and establish competent ombudsman offices to prevent and respond to these violent situations within educational institutions.