Physical workplace violence in the health sector in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Physical workplace violence (WPV) occurs worldwide, causing psychological and physical injuries. However, reports from Saudi Arabia investigating which specialty is the most exposed are scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and circumstances related to physical WPV among all healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia in 12 months, as well as the consequences for both attackers and targets of physical WPV. This cross-sectional study included all healthcare providers registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties who had worked for more than 1 year in the health sector in Saudi Arabia until May 2019. Researchers distributed the questionnaire to the participants via email. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the basic features of the data. Correlations between the categorically measured variables were explored using a chi-square test of independence. Overall, 7398 healthcare workers (HCWs) voluntarily participated in the study, 51.3% being men and 48.7% being women. The mean age was 40 ± 8.62 years), and most participants were of non-Saudi origin. Overall, 9.3% HCWs had encountered physical violence. Male HCWs, pharmacists, nurses, and HCWs of non-Saudi origin were significantly more exposed to physical violence. Furthermore, those with direct physical contact with patients and those working with male patients only were more exposed to physical violence. Physical WPV is an important issue faced by HCWs, particularly those who work night shifts or have direct contact with patients. Results showed that more support, specific strategies and policies to reduce violence occurrence, and protection for healthcare providers are required.

Workplace bullying and violence in health sector in Saudi Arabia

“…This study is part of a research project focused on evaluating WPV in the health sector in Saudi Arabia. [ 19 ] It included all healthcare providers who were registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) and had been working for more than 1 year in the health sector (governmental or private) in Saudi Arabia by May 2019. The exclusion criteria were students, interns, employees of the administrative department, and providers who were not registered with SCFHS or had <1 year of work experience.…”

A gender-based review of workplace violence amongst the global health workforce—A scoping review of the literature

“…Several studies reported on an association between the years of experience and the occurrence of different forms of WPV, and most studies found this relationship to be inversely proportional [ 12 , 35 , 49 , 76 , 98 , 99 , 111 , 123 , 124 , 146 , 152 , 171 , 194 , 203 , 204 , 212 , 214 , 219 , 223 , 227 – 229 ]. We analyzed the forms of violence which had a higher prevalence for either men or women to examine any connection to years of work experience.…”

“…We analyzed the forms of violence which had a higher prevalence for either men or women to examine any connection to years of work experience. Studies reported that men experiencing more verbal abuse [ 219 ], physical violence [ 123 , 146 , 171 ], and bullying [ 218 ] had the least work experience. Similarly, less experience as a factor for verbal abuse [ 98 ], sexual harassment [ 12 , 149 , 152 ], physical violence [ 124 ], horizontal violence [ 229 ], bullying [ 35 ] and aggression [ 159 ], in studies which reported women as victims of WPV.…”

“…Verbal abuse was prevalent for female nurses in the Caribbean [ 13 ], Norway [ 224 ], and Cyprus [ 231 ] from patients or relatives; aggression from staff and colleagues was prevalent in England [ 90 ], from patients and visitors in Switzerland [ 205 ], and from patients in Poland [ 51 ], Israel [ 176 ] and Italy [ 159 ]; mobbing was found to be prevalent for female nurses in Turkey [ 140 ] and Cyprus [ 165 ], and sexual harassment was found to be prevalent among female nurses in Nepal [ 143 ] and Saudi Arabia [ 172 ]. A smaller number of studies reported a higher prevalence of violence for males in Colorado, USA [ 134 ], Turkey [ 141 ], China [ 155 ], Jordan [ 169 ] and Saudi Arabia [ 170 , 171 ]. The last three studies in Jordan and Saudi Arabia reported more physical violence for men in emergency departments, where most assailants were patients and their relatives [ 169 – 171 ], which could be explained by overcrowding, increased waiting time, and increased workloads for health care providers [ 171 ].…”

“…A smaller number of studies reported a higher prevalence of violence for males in Colorado, USA [ 134 ], Turkey [ 141 ], China [ 155 ], Jordan [ 169 ] and Saudi Arabia [ 170 , 171 ]. The last three studies in Jordan and Saudi Arabia reported more physical violence for men in emergency departments, where most assailants were patients and their relatives [ 169 – 171 ], which could be explained by overcrowding, increased waiting time, and increased workloads for health care providers [ 171 ].…”