Experience of Workplace Violence Among Nurses in Health-Care Settings

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the type, extent, and the effects of workplace violence among nurses in diverse health-care settings. Methods: A descriptive design was used in the current study. 868 nurses working in general health care settings in Istanbul, Turkey were included in the study. Results: The prevalence of exposure to violence was 64.1% (n=556). The most frequent perpetrators of workplace violence were visitors/relatives (56.7%) and patients (37.4%). Perpetrators were mostly male (68.2%). The level of violence towards nurses working in the emergency and psychiatric units was higher than that of those working in other areas (chi(2)=64.54; p<0.001). The level of violence toward high school graduates was higher than that of those with a higher education level (chi(2)=38.33; p<0.001). Conclusion: Health care providers, especially nurses, are considered a professional group at high risk for violence. Our results support the notion that violence toward nurses is a universal issue.