Workplace violence among nurses and physicians in a tertiary teaching hospital in Egypt

Abstract

Background Workplace violence (WPV) has been recognized as a major occupational hazard worldwide. Healthcare professions are particularly at a higher risk of WPV. Reported magnitude of WPV represents only the tip of an iceberg. The consequences of WPV in healthcare sector are dramatic; it affects the wellbeing of healthcare professions as well as the quality of the delivered service. Objective The study aimed to measure the magnitude of WPV, to identify factors associated with WPV among nurses and physicians working in a tertiary teaching hospital in Egypt. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 114 physicians and 128 nurses were interviewed about exposure to WPV within the previous 12 months. Results The study found a high magnitude of WPV; nearly three fourth of physicians and nurses experienced violence in the workplace within the past 12 months. Female physicians experienced WPV more commonly compared to male physicians. There was a statistically significant association between type of patient nurses commonly cared for and experiencing WPV. Conclusion and Recommendations WPV among healthcare professions is an increasing problem that needs to be addressed. Increasing awareness of the problem among healthcare professions as well as the general public is warranted. Violence prevention program with a zero-tolerance policy is warranted.