Factors and characteristics of physical violence among healthcare workers of a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria

Authors

  • Sussan U. Arinze Onyia Department of Community Medicine, Enugu State University College of Medicine, Parklane, Enugu, Niger
  • Awoere T. Chinawa Department of Community Medicine, Enugu State University College of Medicine, Parklane, Enugu, Niger
  • Anne C. Ndu Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Tochi J. Okwor Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Olanike I. Agwu-Umahi Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Ifeoma Obionu Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Wilson C. Kassy Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel N. Aguwa Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Theodora A. Okeke Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20195440

Keywords:

Healthcare workers, Nigeria, Physical violence, Workplace

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) especially those involved in patients’ care are at high risk of violence. The study is aimed at determining factors and characteristics of physical violence among HCWs in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 412 HCWs from March to July, 2018. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi InfoTM 3.5.4 and Chi square and Fischer’s exact test where applicable were used to ascertain factors associated with physical workplace violence.

Results: Respondents included 111 (26.9%) doctors and 301 (73.1%) nurses. Prevalence of physical violence was 12.6%. Of those who experienced workplace violence, the perpetrators were mainly patients’ relatives 37 (71.2%) and patients 8 (15.4%). In majority of cases, 28 (53.8%), no action was taken against the assailant. Prevalence of physical violence was significantly higher among nurses (15.3%) than doctors (5.4%) p=0.007. It is also higher among females (14.2%) than males (7.8%), although not significantly. Furthermore, HCWs who work in newborn units were most likely to experience physical violence.

Conclusions: The study revealed that physical violence is prevalent among HCWs and violence prevention programs should be instituted to address it. 

Author Biography

Awoere T. Chinawa, Department of Community Medicine, Enugu State University College of Medicine, Parklane, Enugu, Niger

Community Medicine

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Published

2019-11-27

How to Cite

Onyia, S. U. A., Chinawa, A. T., Ndu, A. C., Okwor, T. J., Agwu-Umahi, O. I., Obionu, I., Kassy, W. C., Aguwa, E. N., & Okeke, T. A. (2019). Factors and characteristics of physical violence among healthcare workers of a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 6(12), 5027–5031. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20195440

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Section

Original Research Articles