Workplace violence experienced by nurses: associated factors and impact on mental health

Abstract

Introduction: workplace violence is known as one of the most challenging issues in negative nursing work environments. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of workplace violence (WPV) against nurses in Tunisian university hospitals, to identify associated factors and to evaluate the impact on nurses´ mental health. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted during April to July 2019 at two public hospitals. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Mental health was evaluated using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12). Results: a total of 190 nurses completed the questionnaire. Of them, 107 (56.3%) indicated that they had experienced workplace violence, 46 (42.9%) had been subjected to physical violence (PV) and 100 (93.4%) had been subjected to verbal violence (VV). Binary logistic analyses indicated that male nurses were more often victims of PV (OR=4.66; 95%CI=1.86-11.66). Likewise, working in psychiatry department and in pediatrics increased the risk of PV (OR=8.64; 95%CI=2.22-33.5, OR=9.05; 95%CI=2.65-30.9) respectively. Poor mental health was increased in nurses who experiencing WPV (OR=16; 95%CI=6.1-43.9), PV (OR=3.7; 95%CI=1.87.4) and VV (OR=6.9; 95%CI=3.2-14.5). Conclusion: workplace violence was prevalent in Tunisian hospitals. Male gender, working in psychiatry department and in pediatrics was the most important associated factors to PV. University hospitals´ administration and policy makers should develop practical measures for preventing and controlling the prevalence of violence against nurses.