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Babkair KA, Altirkistani BA, Baljoon JM, Almehmadi AA, Atiah AL, Alsadan SA, Moamena ME. The prevalence of physical and verbal violence among emergency medicine physicians in military hospitals vs non-military hospitals, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: multi-center cross-sectional study. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:129. [PMID: 39075365 PMCID: PMC11288119 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-01049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In healthcare settings, physical and verbal attacks are commonly encountered in the workplace among healthcare providers. Patients and patients' relatives and friends have been reported to be the perpetrators of workplace violence. Among all healthcare settings, emergency department (ED) have been designated as high-risk settings for violence, where more than one-quarter of emergency physicians reported that they were victims of physical assault. This study aimed to report the prevalence of workplace violence against emergency medicine physicians in military and non-military hospitals in Jeddah city. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional design has been used in this study. An electronic questionnaire was developed through the Google Form Platform and it included demographic data, the occurrence of verbal or physical violence in the workplace to participants, how many times they experienced this violence, the time of incidents, the location either inside or outside the hospital, whether the perpetrators were mostly patients, patient families, or friends, and whether they reported any violence or not. Categorical variables were used to describe frequencies and percentages, while descriptive statistics such as mean and 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were used to summarize the scale variables. P < 0.05 was considered for statistically significant differences. RESULTS Among the 100 participants, 76 experienced either physical or verbal violence, or both. The remaining 24 did not experience any sort of violence. 83% of the physicians who have been physically violated were working in non-military hospitals. Of the 72 participants who had experienced verbal violence, 51 (70.8%) were working in a non-military hospital, while 21 (29.2%) were in a military hospital. The most common reason for not reporting was that the participants felt that reporting the violence incidence was useless. Moreover, 92% of participants chose "Train healthcare workers to deal with violent attacks" as a suggested helpful factor in decreasing the number of work-related violence. In addition, "Education of the public" and "Raising awareness of healthcare workers" were chosen as helpful factors as well by 91% and 90% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSION This revealed that physicians in non-military hospitals experience higher levels of violence compared to their military counterparts. However, it is concerning that instances of violence are substantially under-reported across both military and non-military healthcare facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kholoud Abdullah Babkair
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bsaim Abdulsalam Altirkistani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jamil Mostafa Baljoon
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Adnan Almehmadi
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Loay Atiah
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Abdullah Alsadan
- College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Montasir Esam Moamena
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ministry of the National Guard - Health Affairs, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Tolera A, Weldesenbet AB, Regassa LD, Tusa BS, Merga BT, Tariku M, Cheru A, Enyew DB, Gemeda AT. Health service providers experience of psycho-emotional violence and associated factors among urban hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1361243. [PMID: 38765488 PMCID: PMC11100414 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1361243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Psycho-emotional violence, a type of workplace violence targeting healthcare workers, varies across countries, occasions, and professions in the healthcare sector. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of comprehensive studies focusing on violence against healthcare workers in Ethiopia, which may also encompass psycho-gender-based emotional violence against healthcare workers. Therefore, there is a compelling need for in-depth research to address this gap and develop effective strategies to mitigate psycho-emotional violence in the healthcare sector in Ethiopia, especially in the eastern region. Hence, we aimed to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with workplace psycho-emotional violence against healthcare providers in eastern Ethiopia. Methods This institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 744 health professionals working in urban public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Multistage stratified random sampling was used, and data were collected using a standardized structured tool adopted from the WHO workplace violence assessment tool. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with psycho-emotional workplace violence. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported, and a p-value of 0.05 was used as the cut-off point to declare significance. Results Workplace psycho-emotional violence was reported by 57.39% of the healthcare workers. The absence of guidelines for gender-based abuse [AOR = 35.62, 95% CI:17.47, 72.64], presence of measures that improve surroundings (class lighting and privacy) [AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.98], training on workplace violence coping mechanism [AOR = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.26, 0.98], spending more than 50% of their time with HIV/AIDS patients [AOR = 1.96, 95%CI:1.05, 3.72], and spending more than 50% of their time with psychiatric patients [AOR = 1.92, 95%CI:1.08, 3.43] were factors significantly associated with workplace violence against health professionals. Conclusion The prevalence of workplace psycho-emotional violence against health professionals in eastern Ethiopia was relatively high. Improving the working environment decreases the chance of workplace violence; however, there is a lack of guidelines for gender-based violence, the absence of training on coping mechanisms, and spending more time with psychiatric and HIV/AIDS patients' increases workplace violence. We recommend that health institutions develop gender abuse mitigation guidelines and provide training on coping mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe Tolera
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Adisu Birhanu Weldesenbet
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Lemma Demissie Regassa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Biruk Shalmeno Tusa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bedasa Taye Merga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mandaras Tariku
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abera Cheru
- School of Environmental Health Science, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Birhanie Enyew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Assefa Tola Gemeda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Al-Sayaghi KM. Violence against healthcare workers in the emergency departments of Al-Madinah hospitals, Saudi Arabia. J Family Community Med 2023; 30:307-316. [PMID: 38044976 PMCID: PMC10688582 DOI: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_136_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace violence (WPV) directed against healthcare workers (HCWs) in healthcare facilities has always been neglected. These occupational hazards have been investigated in recent times and received greater attention from decision-makers. This study aimed to assess the WPV committed against HCWs in the emergency departments (EDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS All the emergency department (ED) healthcare workers (HCW) in the hospitals of Al-Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia, were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study by completing an online questionnaire during May 15 to August 15, 2020. Information sought included characteristics of the participant and workplace, violence, the participants' responses and emotions, the consequences of the WPV incident, and the level of satisfaction with the management of the WPV incident. Data was analyzed using SPSS; Chi-square test was used to assess the association between WPV and various participant and workplace characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis performed to identify independent predictors of work place violence. RESULTS A total of 250 HCW filled the questionnaire. One-third of the participants were victims of at least one violent event, mostly nonphysical. The perpetrators were primarily the patient's companions, and a heavy workload/understaffing or an overcrowded environment was the main cause of the violence. The most frequent reaction was to call the hospital security. The emotions the participants experienced were disappointment, low self-esteem, and sadness. Most victims did not report the WPV incident because they believed that reporting was useless, insignificant, or they were fearful of adverse consequences. CONCLUSION The rate of violence in EDs in Al-Madinah hospitals was lower than expected, and only 33.3% of HCWs had experienced a violent incident in the last year. However, there is a substantial margin for interventions to improve the situation and protect the HCWs in the EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M. Al-Sayaghi
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia
- Nursing Division, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
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Salvador JT. "TRIPLE-A: ACQUAINT, ANALYZE, AND ACT": THE INSIGHTS OF NURSE EDUCATORS TOWARD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IN SAUDI ARABIA. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:1811-1822. [PMID: 36071562 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the experiences and insights of nurse educators in order to acquire a better understanding of the nature and various factors associated with workplace violence, which could lead to the establishment of future actions and recommendations to eliminate or reduce aggression, abuse, incivility, and any other forms of violence in the health sector. BACKGROUND Workplace violence is one of the social phenomena that has not been fully explored in various settings such as educational institutions and healthcare facilities. A worker who had experienced violence could provide valuable insights that could help to better understand and sustainably protect an individual, a group, or an organization from workplace violence and its unfavorable consequences. METHODS Qualitative descriptive phenomenological study. A total of 18 nurse educators who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled as the study participants in a government university located in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Purposive sampling method was used in the recruitment. In addition, a semi-structured interview guide was employed to explore the participants' experiences and insights from February to June 2021. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi methods, and a COREQ checklist was utilized to report the study's results. RESULTS The participants' narratives generated three major themes, namely the "Triple-A": (1) "acquaint"; (2) "analyze"; and (3) "act," to better understand workplace violence themes. CONCLUSION The "Triple-A: Acquaint, analyze, and act" workplace violence themes can serve as a simple guide to better understand the nature and different factors associated with workplace violence: "acquaint" illustrates self-awareness; "analyze" pertains to the recognition to possible indications and signals; and "act" depicts an individual's proactiveness and responsiveness to workplace violence and conceivably catalyzes the decrease of this social hazard's prevalence. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Leaders and managers in the nursing field should prioritize their participation in developing creative strategies and their implementation of policies to manage and mitigate violence in the workplace, such as initiating ongoing education (acquaint), creating robust procedures for reporting and referral (analyze), and establishing support networks, listening to victims' experiences, and promoting respect to individual differences (act).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Tovera Salvador
- Department of Nursing Education, College of Nursing, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Dopelt K, Davidovitch N, Stupak A, Ben Ayun R, Lev Eltsufin A, Levy C. Workplace Violence against Hospital Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Israel: Implications for Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4659. [PMID: 35457525 PMCID: PMC9025418 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers, a serious public health problem with profound implications, has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the incidence of different types of WPV in a public hospital in Israel during the pandemic and analyzes the factors associated with its occurrence. A cross-sectional study was performed via an online questionnaire with 486 workers at a government hospital in Israel. Data were collected about sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, exposure to different forms of WPV over the preceding six months, and the responsibility and reasons for WPV from the workers' perspective. Approximately 71% of respondents were exposed to WPV and 64% perceived that WPV escalated during the pandemic. The prevalence of verbal/psychological and physical WPV were 69 and 11%, respectively. The main reason for WPV was frustration over long wait times (70%). The escalation during the pandemic can be attributed to patients' or relatives' anxiety and mental states following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (72%), an increase in waiting time since the pandemic began (54%), lack of hospital resources to care for everyone (45%), and the inability to visit critically ill relatives with COVID-19 (44%). Increased exposure to WPV was attributed to lower seniority, working in emergency or internal departments, and being a nurse or a doctor. The findings raise an urgent need to develop strategies to reduce WPV in hospitals at all levels: national, organizational, and individual. Further research could focus on the effectiveness of innovative strategies and interventions to prevent violence against healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Dopelt
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ben Tzvi St. 12, Ashkelon 78211, Israel; (K.D.); (A.S.); (R.B.A.); (A.L.E.)
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Anna Stupak
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ben Tzvi St. 12, Ashkelon 78211, Israel; (K.D.); (A.S.); (R.B.A.); (A.L.E.)
- Barzilai University Medical Centre, Hahistadrout St. 2, Ashkelon 78306, Israel;
| | - Rachel Ben Ayun
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ben Tzvi St. 12, Ashkelon 78211, Israel; (K.D.); (A.S.); (R.B.A.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Anna Lev Eltsufin
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ben Tzvi St. 12, Ashkelon 78211, Israel; (K.D.); (A.S.); (R.B.A.); (A.L.E.)
| | - Chezy Levy
- Barzilai University Medical Centre, Hahistadrout St. 2, Ashkelon 78306, Israel;
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