Factors influencing quality of professional life and perceived bullying among medical residents in Iran.

Abstract

Objectives: During residency training, medical doctors, face significant challenges that can impact their quality of professional life, their performance, and the care they provide. The current study aimed to examine factors affecting the quality of professional life and their perception of bullying.

Design/ participants: This was a cross-sectional study with 231 medical residents.

Setting: Educational hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran.

Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire that included demographic data, the Negative Act Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R), and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQol-5). The study included 231 medical residents from medical university-affiliated hospitals.

Results: Bullying had a significant negative effect on the quality of professional life (B = -1.173, p < 0.001), while satisfaction with income positively affected it (B = 2.111, p = 0.016). Gender, marital status, feeling respected, age, shift hours, residency year, and medical-surgical department were not significant predictors. Longer shift hours per week (B = 0.306, p = 0.044) and more experienced residents (B = -1.376, p = 0.010) were associated with higher and lower bullying perceptions, respectively.

Conclusions: The study highlights the significant negative impact of bullying on the quality of professional life among medical residents. Suitable interventions should be considered to reduce this impact. Potential interventions could include implementing comprehensive training programs focused on emotional intelligence and communication skills, establishing clear reporting mechanisms for bullying incidents, and fostering a supportive workplace culture prioritizing respect and collaboration among healthcare professionals.