The violence against emergency physicians influences medical students’ choice of speciality in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Wasayf M.  Al Shanabah; Maryam Alnaim; Nasser A.  Al Mulhim; Nouran D.  Al Shehri; Lujain A. Al Amer; Mohammed A. Al Abdulqader; Hamad A. Al Sagoor; Deema N.  Al Anzi; Jawri A.  Al Amri; Saleh S.  Al Sumaih

doi:10.54293/smhj.v6i2.187

Authors

Wasayf M. Al Shanabah College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4363-6586
Maryam Alnaim Medical intern
Nasser A. Al Mulhim Department of Emergency Medicine, King Fahad Hospital, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Nouran D. Al Shehri College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Lujain A. Al Amer College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Mohammed A. Al Abdulqader College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5468-0336
Hamad A. Al Sagoor College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Deema N. Al Anzi College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Jawri A. Al Amri College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Saleh S. Al Sumaih Department of Emergency Medicine, KFSH, Dammam, KSA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v6i2.187

Abstract

Background

Emergency medicine (EM) physicians and trainees are particularly affected by workplace violence (WPV) in emergency departments (EDs), posing a global concern for healthcare providers. In Saudi Arabia, limited data exist on how WPV influences medical students’ specialty preferences, and clinical performance.

Methodology

Between October 2024 and January 2025, 500 Saudi medical students and clinical year interns participated in a cross-sectional online survey. The English survey evaluated exposure to violence in ED, its effect on clinical performance, reporting practices, efficacy of training, and specialty selection. SPSS was used to analyse the data using Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests for correlations.

Results

Overall, 44.0% of participants reported witnessing WPV, predominantly verbal abuse (43.2%). Perpetrators were mainly patients (35.4%) and their relatives (40.2%). Female students (47.3%) and those with longer ED rotations experienced higher exposure (p < 0.05). Violence discouraged 25.0% from choosing EM, while 23.6% reported a negative impact on specialty decisions. Only 30.2% had received training on managing WPV, which was significantly associated with reduced intent to leave EM (p < 0.001). Underreporting was common, driven by fear of stigma and lack of authority.

Conclusion

Medical students' clinical confidence and specialty choices are greatly impacted by violence in EDs, especially for female students and those with prolonged exposure to EDs. To lessen the effects of WPV and increase the appeal of EM careers in Saudi Arabia, improved training, reporting procedures, and institutional safety measures are crucial.