Defensive Medicine Attitudes and Associated Factors Among Physicians Working in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics in Istanbul, Türkiye: Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Background

Defensive medicine (DM) is particularly relevant in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), where physicians face substantial medicolegal risks and malpractice-related pressures. Defensive practices may involve cost-increasing diagnostic or therapeutic behaviors and avoidance of high-risk patients or procedures. Identifying factors independently associated with DM may help inform organizational and medicolegal interventions.