Incidence, related factors, and impacts of workplace violence among nurses in a medical school in Thailand

Abstract

Workplace violence in hospitals is a growing concern for healthcare workers, especially in nursing. This study aimed to determine incidence, related factors, and consequences of workplace violence toward nurses in a medical school in Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted in registered nurses of a medical school hospital in Thailand in 2020. Each participant completed a self-reported online questionnaire (ILO/WHO/ICN/PSI Geneva 2003 modification). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the risk factors of workplace physical and verbal violence. A total of 816 nurses were recruited, with a mean age of 33 (?8) years. The incidence of workplace violence against nurses in the past 12 months was 39 % (verbal abuse, 38% and physical assaults, 8%). The common perpetrators for verbal abuse were colleagues (32%), and patients (29%) and for physical assaults was patients (84%). Factors significantly associated with any form of workplace violence were young age, high education, insufficient number of staffs, and working in emergency unit (p-value <0.05). 5.2% of the victims were absence from work as a result of verbal abuse. Among victims of physical assaults, 18% got injuries and 8% of them required medical treatment. IMPLICATION OF THESIS. Workplace violence against nurses is a common occupational hazard that affects physical and psychological well-being. Implementation programs such as training of violence management skills for younger nurses, strengthening reporting system as well as ensuring safety working environment should be strengthened.