Physical and verbal violence frequency and related factors for healthcare workers

Aim: Violence against healthcare workers is defined as situation of verbal, physical, and/or sexual assault by patients or patients' relatives or friends. It is a public health problem that is more common compare to many sectors. It causes significant problems such as depressions, decrease in motivations and job satisfaction of healthcare staffs, and decrease in productivity in healthcare. However, violence is a preventable problem. Determining of the risk factors is important in terms of violence prevention. This study aims to find out the violence frequency against healthcare workers and risk factors; socio-demographic factors; gender, age, occupation, anxiety, depression and empathy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the population is 9966 healthcare workers in Hatay, and the study sample is 612 healthcare workers [Confidence level: 95%, Hypothesized % frequency of outcome factor in the population: 23%, Confidence limits as % of 100: 4%, Design effect (for cluster surveys): 1.5]. Considering the non-response rates, it was aimed to reach 672 people by adding 10%. Multi-layer sampling method was used; stratified, clustered, and systematic. In the analysis, Chi Square, Mann-Whitney U, Logistic Regression, Spearman Correlation, Student T, One Way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis tests were used and p <0.05 was considered important. Results: In our study, 50.0% of the participants were exposed to verbal or physical violence throughout their work life. In addition, 18.5% experienced both types of violence. The frequency of physical violence during the working life was 18.8%, while the frequency of verbal violence was 68.2%. In the last 12 months, the frequency of physical violence was 11.0%, while the frequency of verbal violence was 57.9%. Working in the emergency room, being a doctor, being a nurse and working in tertiary health institutions are risk factors for verbal violence. While personality factors such as anger and anxiety are the most important causes of violence, increasing security measures are the leading measures to prevent violence. Conclusion: Half of the healthcare professionals experience verbal or physical violence. One out of every five employees has been subjected to both verbal and physical violence. Verbal violence is more common than physical violence. If the necessary interventions are not made, serious problems will arise in the health system. Key words: Health worker, violence, empathy, anxiety, depression