Prevalence and predictors of occupational violence and aggression towards GPs: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Occupational violence and aggression are common in general practice. This study examined occupational violence and aggression against GPs in terms of prevalence and predictive factors, such as sex of GP, and practice location. Over half of the GPs sampled had experienced at least one form of violence and aggression; more female than male GPs experienced sexual harassment; and there was no difference in the number of metropolitan and rural GPs who had experienced violence and aggression. Predictors emerged for verbal abuse, intimidation, physical abuse, and sexual harassment.