Domestic violence and sexual abuse in women physicians: associated medical, psychiatric, and professional difficulties.

Observed Findings

• Women physicians with domestic violence histories had significantly higher rates of depression, suicide attempts, substance abuse, and chronic fatigue syndrome compared to those without such histories.
• Women physicians with sexual abuse histories were significantly more likely to be younger, identify as homosexual or bisexual, and work in psychiatry, obstetrics/gynecology, or emergency medicine.
• The reported lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was 3.7% and sexual abuse was 4.7% among women physicians in the study.
• Women with domestic violence histories were significantly more likely to report severe daily stress at home and smoking compared to those without such histories.
• Women with sexual abuse histories reported higher rates of eating disorders and fair or poor perceived health status.

Inferred Conclusions

• Although the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual abuse in women physicians is lower than in general population estimates, affected physicians experience significant medical and psychiatric sequelae.
• Domestic violence and sexual abuse in women physicians are associated with mental health disorders, substance use, and chronic fatigue syndrome that could impair professional functioning.
• Women physicians in certain specialties (psychiatry, obstetrics/gynecology, emergency medicine) and those identifying as sexual minorities may experience higher rates of sexual abuse.

Remaining Questions