Maltrato a residentes de medicina del Paraguay en 2022 estudio multicéntrico

INTRODUCTION: Postgraduate residents tend to suffer mistreatment during their hospital practices and these abusive behaviors should not be considered normal. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency and characteristics of abuse in medical residents of Paraguay in 2022. METHODOLOGY: An observational cross-sectional design was applied. Residents of Paraguayan hospitals who agreed to complete an online survey disseminated through social networks were included. A 23-question questionnaire that assesses psychological, physical, academic, and sexual abuse was used. Additionally, demographic, academic data and aspects related to the reporting of abuse were requested. RESULTS: The questionnaire was filled out by 348 residents. The mean age was 28 ± 3 years and there was a predominance of the female sex (63.2%). Residents of 32 hospitals participated, most of 1st year (50.3%) and clinical specialties (60.6%). According to the questionnaire, 339 residents (97.4%) reported some degree of abuse. Relating the specialties with the abuse, it was higher in the surgical ones: RR 1.4 95% CI 1.0-1.9 (p 0.01). The main perpetrators of mistreatment were senior residents (53.7%) and ward managers (31%). Only the 8% of mistreatment were reported. The main reason for not reporting abuse was fear that it could cause problems (67.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Abuse was reported by 97.4% of residents, being higher in surgical specialties. It is urgent to apply preventive measures to avoid this type of abuse during medical residency.