Violence study of healthcare workers and systems in the Caribbean: ViSHWaS-Caribbean study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Caribbean continues to prevail yet remains underreported. Our aim is to determine the cause, traits, and consequences of violence on HCWs in the Caribbean. AIM To determine the cause, traits, and consequences of violence on HCWs in the Caribbean. METHODS This research adopted an online cross-sectional survey approach, spanning over eight weeks (between June 6th and August 9th, 2022). The survey was generated using Research Electronic Data Capture forms and followed a snowballing strategy to contact individuals using emails, social media, text messages, etc. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the variables that influence violence, including gender, age, years of experience, institution type, and night shift frequency. RESULTS The survey was completed by 225 HCWs. Females comprised 61%. Over 51% of respondents belonged to the 21 to 35 age group. Dominica (n = 61), Haiti (n = 50), and Grenada (n = 31) had the most responses. Most HCWs (49%) worked for government academic institutions, followed by community hospitals (23%). Medical students (32%), followed by attending physicians (22%), and others (16%) comprised the most common cadre of respondents. About 39% of the participants reported experiencing violence themselves, and 18% reported violence against colleague(s). Verbal violence (48%), emotional abuse (24%), and physical misconduct (14%) were the most common types of violence. Nearly 63% of respondents identified patients or their relatives as the most frequent aggressors. Univariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that female gender (OR = 2.08; 95%CI: 1.16-3.76, P = 0.014) and higher frequency of night shifts (OR = 2.22; 95%CI: 1.08-4.58, P = 0.030) were associated with significantly higher odds of experiencing violence. More than 50% of HCWs felt less motivated and had decreased job satisfaction post-violent conduct. CONCLUSION A large proportion of HCWS in the Caribbean are exposed to violence, yet the phenomenon remains underreported. As a result, HCWs’ job satisfaction has diminished.