Sexual harassment against nurses in Turkey

Prevalence and predictors of workplace sexual harassment of nurses in the Central Region of Ghana: a cross-sectional online survey

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the prevalence and predictors of workplace sexual harassment against nurses in the Central Region of Ghana.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional online survey.

SETTING

Central Region of Ghana.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1494 male and female nurses from various healthcare facilities in the Central Region participated in this survey from August to September 2021.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The prevalence of sexual harassment was determined using the Sexual Experiences Questionnaires and the Workplace Violence in the Health Sector Questionnaires. We used descriptive statistics to analyse participants' characteristics and the occurrence of sexual harassment. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of sexual harassment. The survey instrument yielded a reliability value of 0.82.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sexual harassment was 43.6% when behaviour-based questions were applied and 22.6% when a direct question was used. The main perpetrators of sexual harassment were male physicians (20.2%), male nurses (15.4%), male relatives of patients (15.1%) and male patients (11.6%). Unfortunately, only a few victims lodged complaints of harassment. Compared with males, female nurses were more likely to be sexually harassed (adjusted OR, aOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.07). Moreover, nurses with higher work experience (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.93), those married (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.72) and those working in private or mission/Christian Health Association of Ghana health facilities (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.68) were less likely to be sexually harassed.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of workplace sexual harassment against nurses in the Central Region of Ghana is high and may compromise quality healthcare delivery in the region. Therefore, managers of healthcare facilities and the Ghana Health Service need to institute antisexual harassment interventions, including education, training and policy, with a focus on females in general, but especially those who are not married, less experienced and those working in public health facilities.

Prevalence and associated factors of sexual, psychological, and physical violence among physical therapists in their clinical role in Spain: a national web-based cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

To determine the extent of career-long and 12-month exposure to sexual, physical, and psychological/verbal violence committed by patients or their companions among physical therapists in Spain. Additionally, to identify the factors associated with such exposure.

METHODS

This study employed an observational cross-sectional approach. Initially, a questionnaire was developed and validated using a convenience sample. Subsequently, it was distributed via email to all physical therapists registered in Spain in the first quarter of 2022. Individual risk models were created for each type of violence experienced within the past 12 months.

RESULTS

The prevalence of violence encountered by physical therapists throughout their careers was 47.9% for sexual violence, 42.7% for psychological/verbal abuse, and 17.6% for physical abuse. Lower values were observed within the last 12 months (13.4%, 15.8%, and 5.2%, respectively). Statistical risk modeling for each type of violence experienced in the past 12 months indicated that the common precipitating factor for all forms of violence was working with patients with cognitive impairment. Working part-time appeared to be a protective factor. Other factors, such as the practitioners' gender, practice setting, or clinic location showed variations among the diverse types of violence.

CONCLUSIONS

The exposure to type II workplace violence within the last 12 months among physical therapists in Spain (Europe) is not so high as in some other world regions. Various individual, clinical, and professional/organizational risk factors have been identified in connection with type II workplace violence. Further research is warranted to compare the violence experienced once the COVID pandemic has subsided.

Sexual workplace violence in the health sector in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Sexual workplace violence occurs worldwide with increasing prevalence, causing psychological and physical injuries. However, only few reports from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have investigated the most involved health specialty and its association with other factors, such as working and sociodemographic conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of workplace sexual violence over 12 months, from May 2018 to May 2019, circumstances related to the event, and consequences for the perpetrator and survivor and to identify associated factors among all healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included all HCWs registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties who worked for > 1 year in the health sector (government or private) in Saudi Arabia until May 2019. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. A modified self-administered questionnaire sent via email was utilized to assess workplace violence. Descriptive statistics were used to report percentages and frequencies, while advanced statistics, such as bivariate analysis, were used to determine associations. Multivariate logistic binary regression analysis was used to assess the combined and individual associations between relevant predictors of exposure of HCWs to recent sexual violence at the workplace.

RESULTS

In total, 7,398 (male, 51.3%; female, 48.7%) HCWs were electively enrolled in the study (mean age 40 ± 8.62 years). Most were non-Saudi (60%). Overall, 3.9% were sexual violence survivors. Approximately 60.7%, 51.4%, 48.3%, and 65.9% of female workers, nurses, Saudi natives, and night shift workers (18:00 to 07:00), respectively, were significantly exposed to sexual violence. Furthermore, approximately 54.8% of those with direct physical contact with patients had a higher rate of exposure to sexual harassment (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of sexual violence is low but remains a risk to HCWs, especially those working night shifts and having direct physical contact with patients. Thus, more support, specific strategies, and policies are needed to reduce the rate of occurrence, protect HCWs, and prevent such events. The underreporting of cases may be skewing the magnitude of the problem; thus, more education and additional research in Saudi Arabia are needed regarding sexual violence experienced by HCWs.

Sexual harassment as experienced by nurses from selected healthcare facilities in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Workplace Sexual Harassment (WSH) remains a major occupational health hazard to many nurses globally. Despite the negative impact of WSH on health and safety of nurses, there are limited studies exploring sexual harassment experiences of nurses in the line of duty in Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Ghana.

AIM

This study aimed at exploring the lived sexual harassment experiences among nurses working in healthcare facilities in the Central Region of Ghana.

METHOD

This study used a qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA). Data from 24 participants, 13 participants' written descriptive narratives of sexual harassment experiences (via online) and 11 telephone interviews were analysed concurrently using the IPA.

RESULTS

Participants experienced verbal, non-verbal and physical forms of sexual harassment, often perpetrated by physicians, colleague workers, and patients. Most victims reacted passively to the acts sexual harassment and cases are often not reported despite the negative impact on victims' health. While some participants dealt with sexual harassment by accepting the behaviour as an inevitable part of their job, others either quit or intend to quit the job to avoid the harassers. Most participants are unaware of any workplace measure such as policy that addresses sexual harassment in the health sector in Ghana.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the problems of sexual harassment against nurses in the healthcare sector in Ghana, and calls for urgent development of measures such as a sexual harassment policy to prevent occurrence and promote effective resolution of sexual harassment within the healthcare sector in the country. Sexual harassment against nurses could be hampering quality healthcare delivery in the region.

Sexual Harassment and Associated Factors Among Female Nurses: The Case of Addis Ababa Public Hospitals

Background

Sexual harassment of female nurses at work is an issue that is receiving more attention globally and is progressively being acknowledged as a form of gender discrimination in the workplace. Africa’s situation is getting worse every day, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Determining the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment and associated factors among female nurses working in Addis Ababa public hospitals was the aim of this study.

Methods

A cross-sectional research design was conducted in August 2021 GC and 339 randomly selected female nurses working in an Addis Ababa public hospital were selected. The data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. EPI-Info 7 was used to enter the data, which was then exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis.

Results

Forty six (46.6) percent of workplaces reported having experienced sexual harassment. One hundred sixty seven (49.3%) of all cases involved physical sexual harassment, while 79 (51.2%) involved verbal sexual harassment. Sexual harassment was 4.64 times more likely to happen to single female nurses than to married people (AOR= 4.64, 95% CI [2.6, 8.4]). Female nurses in the 20–25 age group were roughly 4.7 times more likely to suffer sexual harassment than those in the >40 age group (AOR=4.69, 95% CI [2.44, 9.03]). Alcohol consumers had a 4.5-fold higher chance of experiencing sexual harassment than non-consumers (AOR=4.50, 95% CI [2.40, 8.50]).

Conclusion

Violence among female nurses was demonstrated in this study. It demands a particular focus from the involved bodies. Age, marital status, and alcohol consumption were found to statistically significantly correlate with sexual harassment. Female nurses must get training that emphasizes behavior modification, and healthcare facilities must foster a pleasant atmosphere for nurses, patients, and other staff members.

Systematic Review of Policies and Interventions to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in Order to Prevent Depression

BACKGROUND

Sexual harassment in the workplace (SHWP) is highly prevalent and has a negative impact, including depression, on its victims, as well as a negative economic impact resulting from absenteeism and low productivity at work. This paper aims to outline the available evidence regarding the prevention of depressive symptoms among workers through policies and interventions that are effective in preventing SHWP.

METHODS

We conducted two systematic reviews. The first focused on the association of depression and SHWP, and the second on policies and interventions to prevent SHWP. We conducted a meta-analysis and a narrative synthesis, respectively. We identified 1831 and 6107 articles for the first and second review. After screening, 24 and 16 articles were included, respectively.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis results show a prevalence of depression of 26%, as well as a 2.69 increased risk of depression among workers who experience SHWP. Variables such as number of harassment experiences and exposure to harassment from coworkers and other people increase this risk.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of policies and training to prevent SHWP, mostly focused on improvements in workers' knowledge and attitudes about SHWP. However, there is no available evidence regarding its potential impact on preventing depression.

Adapting and Validating the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire to Study Sexual Harassment Among University Women in Jordan

Despite the adverse effects of sexual harassment, measurement gaps persist. Using a sequential, mixed-methods approach, we adapted and validated the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ) to measure sexual harassment victimization among college-going women in Jordan. From a 213-item pool and qualitative data from students at the study site, we removed 50 items and collapsed or rephrased 163 items into selected 27 items for examination. After expert reviewers and study-site staff assessed content validity, we replaced three items. Items were tested using cognitive interviews (n = 7) and then administered in a survey to 567 women students. We sequentially performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with a random split-half sample (N₁ = 283), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with the second sample (N₂ = 284), and confirmatory bifactor analysis. Five items with cross-factor loadings were dropped. Model fit for the final four-factor EFA and CFA was adequate (EFA: RMSEA: 0.013, CFI: 0.996, TLI: 0.994; CFA: RMSEA 0.020, CFI: 0.988, TLI: 0.986). Three factors were similar to those identified in the SEQ-gender harassment, sexual coercion, and unwanted sexual attention-but we also identified a fourth factor-physical-contact sexual harassment. The bifactor analysis suggested that the scale was unidimensional (general factor ECV=.701 and PUC =.727). The unidimensional scale was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Using an adapted SEQ, sexual harassment is a measurable construct in the Jordanian university context. Further validation of this tool and efforts to capture each dimension of sexual harassment in the Arab region is needed.

Predictors of events of violence or aggression against nurses in the workplace: A scoping review

AIM

To identify predictors and consequences of violence or aggression events against nurses and nursing students in different work contexts.

BACKGROUND

Workplace violence against nurses and nursing students is a very common and widespread phenomenon. Actions to manage or prevent violent events could be implemented knowing the risk factors and consequences. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews that summarize knowledge on the predictors and consequences of workplace violence.

EVALUATION

A scoping review was conducted using electronic databases including APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, PubMed and Scopus.

KEY ISSUES

After full text analysis, 87 papers were included in the current scoping review. Risk factors of horizontal violence were grouped into 'personal' and 'Environmental and organizational', and for violence perpetrated by patients into 'personal', 'Environmental and organizational' and 'Characteristics of the perpetrators'.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this scoping review uncover problems that often remain unaddressed, especially where these episodes are very frequent. Workplace violence prevention and management programmes are essential to counter it.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

The predictors and the consequents identified constitute the body of knowledge necessary for nurse managers to develop and implement policy and system actions to effectively manage or prevent violent events.

I Trust You: Does This Matter in the Relationship between Sexual Harassment, Continuous Commitment and Intention to Leave among Young Female Healthcare Professionals?

This research examines the direct influence of sexual harassment by superiors on subordinates’ young female trust in their superiors. The research also examines the mediating role of trust in the relationship between sexual harassment and continuous commitment as well as intention to leave. For this purpose, a pre-tested questionnaire survey was self-dropped and collected by the research team to young female professionals, who are in their early career (within five years of their career), in public hospitals in the cities of Tunis, Sfax and Sousse, Tunisia. The results were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. The results of structural model, interestingly, showed no significant effect of sexual harassment by superiors on their subordinates’ trust. Hence, trust in superiors has no mediating role in the relationship between sexual harassment and continuous commitment as well as intention to leave. However, sexual harassment by superiors was found to directly and positively influence young female professionals’ intention to leave the job. Additionally, trust in superiors was found to negatively influence both young female professionals’ continuous commitment and their intention to leave. The results have certain theoretical and managerial implications, particularly in relation to young female professional in the healthcare sector, which is vital for Tunisia and every country.

Formally reporting incidents of workplace violence among nurses: A scoping review

AIM

To describe and synthesise the scientific literature on nurses' formal reporting of workplace violence.

BACKGROUND

Research on reporting workplace violence among nurses is increasing annually, but the evidence from such reports has not been summarised or analysed.

EVALUATION

A scoping review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and Ovid-Embase.

KEY ISSUES

Forty-nine studies were included in this review, and four significant issues pertinent to reporting of workplace violence was identified: (1) the reporting rate is generally low, and oral report is the most popular medium (2) nurses are often not satisfied with how the organisation handles their report, (3) the reasons affecting reporting are complex and diverse, (4) few studies have proposed countermeasures to promote reporting formally.

CONCLUSION

Scholars are paying increasing attention to workplace violence, however, the reporting of workplace violence in real world situations is not being facilitated to inform improvements in managing violence in the workplace. Therefore, more countermeasures conducive to reporting urgently need to be put forward.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurse managers are in a pivotal position to encourage reporting by their staff, respond pro-actively and advocate for more streamlined and accessible processes. The findings of this review can provide a basis for nursing managers to better manage workplace violence and improve the reporting rate among nurses.

Use of an interactive multimedia e-book to improve nursing students'' sexual harassment prevention knowledge, prevention strategies, coping behavior, and learning motivation: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Nursing essentially involves working closely with patients both physically and psychologically. Nurses, particularly inexperienced nursing students, are often at great risk of sexual harassment.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of a clinical-based sexual harassment prevention e-book on nursing students' knowledge, prevention strategies, coping behaviors, and learning motivation.

DESIGN

A randomized, controlled, experimental study.

SETTING

Nursing Department at a private university in Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

Senior nursing students who had finished the required professional internship or were undergoing community nursing or psychiatric nursing internship.

METHODS

Participants were randomly allocated to intervention (e-book, n = 33) and control (video and brochure, n = 33) groups. They were asked to complete a structured questionnaire before, after, and 2 weeks after the intervention to evaluate their sexual harassment knowledge, prevention strategies, coping behaviors, and learning motivation.

RESULTS

In the posttest, the e-book group scored significantly higher in the sexual harassment prevention knowledge (p < .05), sexual harassment prevention strategy (p < .01), and ARCS motivation (p < .001) subscales than the control group, but not in the coping behavior subscale. In terms of group and time effects, knowledge, coping behavior, prevention strategy, and motivation scores were all significantly different in the first posttest (p < .001). In the second posttest, coping behavior and ARCS motivation scores remained significantly different (p < .01).

CONCLUSION

The interactive multimedia e-book effectively improved the sexual harassment prevention knowledge and competence of nursing students. This method can be employed as a supplementary material in nursing education, internship guidance, and nursing on-the-job education.

The gray zone of patient-nurse communication: Inappropriate sexual behavior

PURPOSE

This review was written to examine the incidences of inappropriate sexual behavior (ISB) and to study the responsibilities of nurses in the management of ISB.

CONCLUSIONS

When nurses experience ISB, they tend to describe this situation as harassment. However, the use of the phrase "harassment" indicates inadequate professionalism because although disturbing, not every incidence of ISB is an expression of adult sexuality. Some patients are also likely to use this type of behavior to mask their existing life stress. As a result, nurses have difficulty interpreting and managing behavior that falls in this gray zone.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

To support nurses, we recommended that studies that define ISB, determine its prevalence, evaluate it, and guide nurses in the management of ISB should be carried out.

Promoting anti-corruption, transparency and accountability in the recruitment and promotion of health workers to safeguard health outcomes

Background: Human Resources for Health are a core building block of a health system, playing a crucial role in improving health outcomes. While the existing literature has examined various forms of corruption that affect the health sector, few articles have examined the role and impact of corruption in the recruitment and promotion of health-workers.Objectives: This study reviews the role of corrupt practices such as nepotism, bribery and sextortion in health-worker recruitment and promotion and their implications for health systems.Methods: The study is based on an interdisciplinary non-systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles in the public health/medicine and political science literature, complemented with the 'grey' literature such as technical reports and working papers.Results: Political and personal ties, rather than merit are often factors in the recruitment and promotion of health-workers in many countries. This results in the employment or promotion of poorly qualified or unsuitable workers, with negative implications for health outcomes.Conclusion: Corrupt practices in health-worker recruitment and promotion 'set the tone' for other forms of corruption such as absenteeism, embezzlement, theft and bid-rigging to flourish, as those recruited corruptly can collude for nefarious purposes. On the other hand, merit-based recruitment is important for curbing corruption. Corrupt recruitment practices have deleterious effects on health-worker motivation and retention, quality and competency, citizens' trust in health services and health outcomes. Whereas international law and policy such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the WHO Handbook on Monitoring and Evaluation of Human Resources for Health state that recruitment of public officers and health workers respectively should be done in a transparent and accountable manner, more research is needed to inform policies on merit-based recruitment.

Prevalence of Workplace Sexual Violence against Healthcare Workers Providing Home Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to explore the prevalence of sexual violence including both sexual harassment and abuse, perpetrated by clients against home healthcare workers (HCWs), including professional and paraprofessional HCWs. To this end, we systematically searched five relevant databases. Two reviewers extracted data from the included studies independently and performed a quality appraisal. Overall and subgroup random-effects pooled prevalence meta-analyses were performed. Due to high heterogeneity, a more robust model using a quality effect estimator was used. Fourteen studies were included, and the prevalence of sexual violence was 0.06 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01–0.13). Paraprofessionals had a higher prevalence of sexual violence (0.07, 95% CI: 0.00–0.18 vs. 0.05, 95% CI: 0.00–0.12), and the prevalence of sexual abuse was lower than that of sexual harassment (0.04, 95% CI: 0.00–0.10 vs. 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03–0.18). This systematic review estimated the prevalence of sexual violence across home HCWs from different high-income countries, highlighting the presence of this phenomenon to a lesser but nevertheless considerable extent compared to other healthcare settings. Health management should consider interventions to prevent and reduce the risk of home HCWs from being subjected to sexual violence, as the home-care sector presents particular risks for HCWs because clients’ homes expose them to a relatively uncontrolled work environment.

Prevalence of sexual harassment toward psychiatric nurses and its association with quality of life in China

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of sexual harassment (SH) toward Chinese psychiatric nurses and its association with quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

A total of 2124 psychiatric nurses were consecutively recruited from 10 psychiatric hospitals distributed across 10 provinces of China; of them, 1,449 were included for analyses. Participants' socio-demographic characteristics, experiences of workplace SH in the past year, and QOL were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 21.5% (n = 311) of participants reported SH, with 8.4% (n = 121) reporting once, 7.1% (n = 103) reporting twice and 6.0% (n = 87) reporting three times or more. Psychiatric nurses who experienced SH had lower QOL in physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Multiple logistic regression analysis found that nurses with shorter clinical experience were more likely to experience SH.

CONCLUSIONS

Workplace SH toward psychiatric nurses is common in mental health treatment settings in China. Considering its deleterious impact on nurses' well-being and care quality, effective staff training on the management of SH and a zero tolerance policy against SH should be developed for this population.

Sexual Harassment Experiences, Knowledge, and Coping Behaviors of Nursing Students in Taiwan During Clinical Practicum

Sexual harassment not only endangers nursing students' physical and mental health but also considerably affects their future willingness to engage in the field of nursing. To identify experiences, knowledge, coping behaviors, and determinants of sexual harassment among nursing students during clinical practicum, this study conducted a cross-sectional survey where a structured self-report questionnaire was used. A total of 291 senior nursing students were recruited from four universities in Central Taiwan. Sixty-six nursing students (22.7%), including 59 women (23.3%) and 7 men (18.4%), reported experiencing sexual harassment during clinical practicum. Male students scored significantly higher than female students did on knowledge of sexual harassment (p = 0.028). Female students scored significantly higher than male students did on attitudes toward preventing and coping with sexual harassment (p = 0.05). Nursing students who were older, had fathers who had higher education levels, or had undergone gender-related courses were more likely to experience sexual harassment. More than one-fifth of nursing students experienced sexual harassment during their clinical practicum, making this a formidable challenge in nursing education. Education is required to prevent sexual harassment and enhance gender sensitivity among nursing students, who are at a greater risk of experiencing sexual harassment in clinical practicum.

Sexual harassment against female nurses: a systematic review

Background

Sexual harassment is complex and has occupational hazards in nursing. Nurses experienced it than other employees. Female nurses are with the highest rate in the profession. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of sexual harassment against female nurses, the types, perpetrators, and health consequences of the harassment.

Method

We undertook a systematic review to synthesize quantitative research studies found in Pubmed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. The studies included were observational, on sexual harassment against female nurse, full text, and published in peer-reviewed English journals up to August 2018. Two independent reviewers searched the articles and extracted data from the articles. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale for Cross-Sectional Studies Quality Assessment Tool. A descriptive analysis was done to determine the rate of items from the percentages or proportions of the studies.

Result

The prevalence of sexual harassment against female nurses was 43.15%. It ranged 10 to 87.30%. The 35% of the female nurses were verbally, 32.6% non-verbally, 31% physically and 40.8% were being harassed psychologically. The 46.59% of them were harassed by patients, 41.10% by physicians, 27.74% by patients’ family, 20% by nurses and 17.8% were by other coworker perpetrators. The 44.6% of them were developed mental problems, 30.19% physical health problems, 61.26% emotional, 51.79% had psychological disturbance and 16.02% with social health problems.

Conclusion

The prevalence of sexual harassment against female nurses is high. Female nurses are being sexually harassed by patients, patient families, physicians, nurses, and other coworkers. The harassment is affecting mental, physical, emotional, social and psychological health of female nurses. It is recommended policymakers to develop guidelines on work ethics, legality and counseling programs. Nursing associations to initiate development of workplace safety policy. A safe and secure working environment is needed in the nursing practice and nursing curriculum in prevention strategy. Research is needed on factors associated with sexual harassment. Since only female nurses were the participants, it could not be representative of all nurses. There was no fund of this review.

Workplace sexual harassment among nurses of a university hospital in Egypt

OBJECTIVES

To assess the magnitude of sexual harassment, its effect on nurses, and to identify the predictors of workplace sexual harassment in one of the university hospitals of Upper Egypt.

METHODS

A cross -sectional study of 296 nurses working at Sohag University Hospital was completed between November 2018 and March 2019. Nurses selected by systematic random sampling were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire covering personal, workplace, and other determinants of sexual harassment. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of sexual harassment.

RESULTS

More than half of the nurses (58.1%) were exposed to at least one form of sexual harassment. The most recent incident of sexual harassment was verbal in the majority of cases (53.5%), followed by non-verbal (mainly sexual gestures) (28.5%) and lastly physical (18%). Two-thirds (69.8%) of the nurses exposed to sexual harassment reported that they were negatively affected by the incident. Low job satisfaction was the main complaint reported by more than half of the harassed nurses (64.2%). Predictors of sexual harassment were being single, working in open units, and having fewer years of work experience.

CONCLUSION

Workplace sexual harassment among nurses was high, and was associated with lower job satisfaction. The study findings suggest that sexual harassment at work may result in the intention of nurses to leave their jobs and negatively impact the nurse working force.

Sexual harassment from older residents at long-term care facilities: is it really part of the job?

OBJECTIVES

To explore the extent to which staff members in long-term care facilities (LTCF) have experienced situations of sexual harassment, how they commonly and ideally manage the situation, and how their work position influences their responses.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional quantitative study, using the vignette technique.

METHOD

A total of 2,196 staff-members who were currently working in Spanish LTCF participated in the study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Questions regarding sexual harassment were analysed by a vignette that described a case of sexual harassment. Participants had to choose common and best practices for dealing with the case, and report the frequency with which they had experienced similar situations.

RESULTS

The results indicate that 29.9% of participants had experienced an episode of sexual harassment in a LTCF similar to the one presented in the vignette. Responses to the situation were diverse and there were significant differences between common and perceived best practices. Differences were also found depending on the work position of the participant (manager, technical staff or nursing assistant).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for a fuller recognition of the sexual needs of older people. However, the presence of inappropriate sexual behavior must also be acknowledged. The right of staff to work in an environment free of harassment must be respected. The need for explicit institutional guidelines and training opportunities is discussed.

Worldwide prevalence of sexual harassment towards nurses: A comprehensive meta-analysis of observational studies

AIMS

Sexual harassment towards nurses is a major concern universally, but no meta-analysis on the worldwide prevalence of sexual harassment towards nurses has yet been published. This study examined the worldwide prevalence of sexual harassment against nurses and explored its moderating factors.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of observational studies.

DATA SOURCES

The PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from their commencement date to February 2018 were systematically and independently searched by two investigators.

REVIEW METHODS

Data on the prevalence of sexual harassment experienced by nurses were extracted and pooled using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 43 studies covering 52,345 nurses were included in the analyses. Female nurses accounted for 83.87% of the 32,970 subjects in 25 studies with available data on gender ratio. The prevalence of sexual harassment towards nurses in the past 12 months and during nursing career were 12.6% (95% CI: 10.9-14.4%) and 53.4% (95% CI: 23.1-83.7%), respectively. Gender, use of the WHO questionnaires, lower middle-income and high-income countries, sample size, survey year, and mean age of subjects were significantly associated with the prevalence of sexual harassment.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of sexual harassment against nurses found in this meta-analysis represents the ongoing sexism and deleterious effects (e.g., poor work quality and efficiency, increased stress and job dissatisfaction) in the profession. Appropriate preventive measures, training, and empowerment of nurses are needed to ensure workplace safety and equality in this profession.

IMPACT

The study addressed the worldwide prevalence of sexual harassment against nurses and its moderating factors. Health authorities and hospital administrators should develop organizational policy and preventive strategies to ensure nurses' workplace safety and equality.

An Evaluation of Verbal, Physical, and Sexual Violence Against Healthcare Workers in Ankara, Turkey

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals work in high-stress, fast-paced settings where individuals from different professions work together and who are exposed to many types of violence. The phenomenon of violence has become a concern of utmost importance for healthcare professionals that should be addressed with due attention.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the verbal, physical, and sexual workplace violence experienced by healthcare professionals.

METHODS

A survey was conducted in a public hospital in Ankara, Turkey, among 104 physicians, 93 nurses, and 150 other medical staff.

RESULTS

Of the participating healthcare workers, 96.2%, 95.7%, and 80.7% of the physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel, respectively, reported having been exposed to verbal violence at least once in their professional life. Physicians were identified as a source of violence among other healthcare professionals. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of sociodemographic features on violence. The statistically significant results showed that nurses are exposed to sexual violence more than other medical personnel are (OR = 3.11, 95% CI [1.29, 7.49]). Nurses were more exposed to verbal (OR = 5.08, 95% CI [1.54, 16.75]) and physical (OR = 3.68, 95% CI [1.15, 11.80]) violence compared with other medical personnel working in the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that a great majority of healthcare professionals are subjected to violence ranging from verbal violence in particular to physical and sexual violence.

Perceptions on the sexual harassment of female nurses in a state hospital in Sri Lanka: a qualitative study

Background: Sexual harassment occurs within the nursing profession globally, challenging the health and safety of nurses and the quality and efficiency of health systems. In Sri Lanka, no studies have explored this issue in the health sector; however, female employees face sexual harassment in other workplace settings.

Objective: To explore female nurses’ perceptions of workplace sexual harassment in a large state hospital in Sri Lanka.

Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted in an urban, mainly Buddhist and Singhalese context. We invited all female senior and ward nurses working in the hospital to participate in the study. We conducted individual in-depth interviews with four senior nurses and focus group discussions with 29 nurses in three groups.

Results: The nurses described a variety of perceived forms of sexual harassment in the hospital. They discussed patient-perpetrated incidents as the most threatening and the clearest to identify compared with incidents involving doctors and other co-workers. There was significant ambiguity regarding sexual consent and coercion in relationships between female nurses and male doctors, which were described as holding potential for exploitation or harassment. The nurses reported that typical reactions to sexual harassment were passive. Alternatively, they described encountering inaction or victim blaming when they attempted to formally report incidents. They perceived that workplace sexual harassment has contributed to negative societal attitudes about the nursing profession and discussed various informal strategies, such as working in teams, to protect themselves from sexual harassment in the hospital.

Conclusions: Sexual harassment was a perceived workplace concern for nurses in this hospital. To develop effective local prevention and intervention responses, further research is required to determine the magnitude of the problem and explore differences in responses to and consequences of sexual harassment based on perpetrator type and intent, and personal vulnerabilities of the victims, among other factors.

Workplace violence and risk for psychiatric morbidity among health workers in a tertiary health care setting in Nigeria: Prevalence and correlates

The objectives were to evaluate the workplace violence and risk for psychiatric morbidity, as well as their correlates, among health workers in a tertiary healthcare setting in Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit the health workers. Each participant was administered a socio-demographic questionnaire, the ILO/ICN/WHO/PSI Workplace Violence Questionnaire and the 12- item General Health Questionnaire. A total of 380 health workers were recruited, with a mean age of 36.4 (±7.64) years. The prevalence rates of workplace violence and risk of psychiatric morbidity were 39.9% and 38.5%. Factors with independent associations with workplace violence included young age, female sex and worry about workplace violence while a widowed, separated or divorced marital status and being victim of workplace violence independently increased risk for developing psychiatric morbidity. This study therefore showed that workplace violence is common in the health care setting, and significant proportion of workers are at risk for developing psychiatric morbidity. These observations suggest need for the regular mental health screening of health workers, as well as the need for programmes aimed at preventing workplace violence in this setting.

Prevalence of sexual harassment of nurses and nursing students in China: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Sexual harassment experienced by nurses and nursing students is common and significantly associated with negative consequences. This study is a meta-analysis of the pooled prevalence of sexual harassment of nurses and nursing students in China. Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Ovid, China National Knowledge Internet, WanFang, SinoMed and Chinese VIP Information) were independently and systematically searched by two reviewers from their commencement date to 12 March 2018. Forty-one studies that reported the prevalence of sexual harassment were analyzed using the random-effects model. The pooled prevalence of sexual harassment was 7.5% (95% CI: 5.5%-10.1%), with 7.5% (5.5%-10.2%) in nurses and 7.2% (3.0%-16.2%) in nursing students. Subgroup analyses showed that the year of survey and sample size were significantly associated with the prevalence of sexual harassment, but not the seniority of nursing staff, department, hospital, economic region, timeframe, age, working experience or subtypes of harassment. In China, sexual harassment was found to be common in nurses and nursing students. Considering the significant negative impact of sexual harassment, effective preventive and workplace measures should be developed.

Nursing Students&apos; Experience of Sexual Harassment During Clinical Practicum: A Phenomenological Approach

PURPOSE

To describe nursing students' experience of sexual harassment during clinical practicum.

METHODS

An interpretive phenomenological qualitative approach was used to understand contextual experiences of participants. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from thirteen nursing students who experienced sexual harassment during clinical practice in general hospitals at D metropolitan city. All interviews were recorded and transcribed into Korean and English. Transcripts were analyzed using the data analysis method described by Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner.

RESULTS

The following 12 themes emerged from the data: 'unprepared to respond', 'lack of education', 'unsure about when behavior crosses the line', 'power differential for nursing students', 'balancing self-preservation with obligations to patients', 'shame', 'feeling responsible for not being able to prevent the harassment', 'impact on patient care', 'fear of what might have happened', 'fear of repercussions', 'long term impact', and 'peer support'.

CONCLUSION

Participants in this study described feeling an obligation to care for their patients. However, they seemed to be unable to balance this while feeling vulnerable to sexual harassment with strong negative feelings. Helping students recognize and effectively deal with sexual harassment is a critical element to assure quality learning for participants and maintain quality of care during clinical practice.

Risky sexual behaviour and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) among healthcare workers

BACKGROUND

South Africa is known to have one of the highest prevalence rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) globally, with one in seven healthcare workers being HIV-positive. An HIV-positive healthcare workforce is less equipped to respond to the increasing spread of the epidemic.

OBJECTIVES

Assessment of the factors contributing to high HIV prevalence rates among healthcare workers is important in planning the development of human resources. This review sought to identify and understand predominant risky sexual behaviours among healthcare workers in HIV and AIDS-affected countries.

METHODS

This study reviewed articles focusing on sexual behaviour among healthcare workers. Major health science databases (e.g. ProQuest, Cochrane, PubMed and CINAHL) were searched for combinations of keywords including 'healthcare workers', 'risky sexual behaviour' and 'HIV and AIDS'. Articles from a range of countries met inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Findings of the study revealed three main contributing factors: unprotected sex, multiple sex partners and sexual violence. Sexual violence emerged as the dominant risk factor in the majority of the studies. Most research was conducted in developed countries where the HIV infection rate is much lower than it is in developing countries.

CONCLUSION

More research needs to be conducted in developing countries and appropriate strategies should be implemented to reduce sexual violence among healthcare workers. Appropriate procedures on reporting sexual violence coupled with education on HIV and AIDS as well as influencing attitudes and belief systems could assist in reducing the spread of HIV and AIDS within the healthcare workforce while minimising the effect on patient care.

The effects of workplace respect and violence on nurses' job satisfaction in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Studies have established the negative effects of workplace disrespect and violence on the personal and professional well-being of nurses. In spite of this, only a few have directly investigated the effects of these issues on nurses' job satisfaction. In Africa, research on nurses' job satisfaction continues to focus largely on economic factors. The aim of this paper was, therefore, to investigate the impact of the non-economic factors of workplace violence and respect on the job satisfaction levels of nurses in Ghana.

METHODS

The study employed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. It involved 592 qualified practising nurses working in public hospitals in Ghana. Data were collected between September 2013 and April 2014.

RESULTS

The results showed that, overall, nurses were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their jobs (M = 3.19, SD = .54). More than half (52.7%) of the participants had been abused verbally, and 12% had been sexually harassed in the 12 months prior to the study. The majority of nurses, however, believed they were respected at the workplace (M = 3.77, SD = .70, Mode = 4). Multiple regression analyses showed that verbal abuse and perceived respect were statistically significant predictors of nurses' job satisfaction. Nurses who experienced verbal abuse and low level of respect were more likely to report low job satisfaction scores.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that non-financial strategies such as safe work environments which are devoid of workplace violence may enhance nurses' job satisfaction levels. A policy of "zero tolerance" for violence and low tolerance for disrespect could be put in place to protect nurses and healthcare professionals in general.

Workplace sexual harassment and depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis comparing harassment from clients or customers to harassment from other employees amongst 7603 Danish employees from 1041 organizations

Background

Previous research has reported that sexual harassment can lead to reduced mental health. Few studies have focused on sexual harassment conducted by clients or customers, which might occur in person-related occupations such as eldercare work, social work or customer service work. This study examined the cross-sectional association between sexual harassment by clients or customers and depressive symptoms. We also examined if this association was different compared to sexual harassment conducted by a colleague, supervisor or subordinate. Further, we investigated if psychosocial workplace initiatives modified the association between sexual harassment by clients or customers and level of depressive symptoms.

Methods

We used data from the Work Environment and Health in Denmark cohort study (WEHD) and the Work Environment Activities in Danish Workplaces Study (WEADW) collected in 2012. WEHD is based on a random sample of employed individuals aged 18–64. In WEADW, organizational supervisors or employee representatives provided information on workplace characteristics. By combining WEHD and WEADW we included self-reported information on working conditions and health from 7603 employees and supervisors in 1041 organizations within 5 occupations. Data were analyzed using multilevel regression and analyses adjusted for gender, age, occupation and socioeconomic position.

Results

Exposure to workplace sexual harassment from clients or customers was statistically significantly associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms (2.05; 95% CI: 0.98–3.12) compared to no exposure. Employees harassed by colleagues, supervisors or subordinates had a higher mean level of depressive symptoms (2.45; 95% CI: 0.57–4.34) than employees harassed by clients or customers. We observed no statistically significant interactions between harassment from clients and customers and any of the examined psychosocial workplace initiatives (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The association between sexual harassment and depressive symptoms differed for employees harassed by clients or customers and those harassed by colleagues, supervisors or subordinates. The results underline the importance of investigating sexual harassment from clients or customers and sexual harassment by colleagues, supervisors or subordinates as distinct types of harassment. We found no modification of the association between sexual harassment by clients or customers and depressive symptoms by any of the examined psychosocial workplace initiatives.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4669-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sexual harassment against nursing staff in Tanta University Hospitals, Egypt

BACKGROUND

Sexual harassment against nurses is a major workplace problem causing adverse psychological effects and may affect the occupational performance of the nurses. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of this problem, and its characteristics and consequences among the nursing staff in Tanta University Hospitals, Gharbeia Governorate, Egypt.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 430 nurses at Tanta University Hospitals using a semistructured, self-administered questionnaire to collect the data concerning the exposure and characteristics of harassment situations. A representative sample of the nurses was taken randomly from the emergency, medical and surgical departments.

RESULTS

Overall, 70.2% of the studied nurses were ever exposed to sexual harassment at the workplace; 43.7% of the harassed nurses were working in both day and night shifts. Staring in a suggestive manner emerged as the most common form of harassment, followed by hearing sexual words and comments or jokes (70.9, 58.6 and 57.3%, respectively). The relatives of the patients were the most common perpetrators, followed by the hospital staff other than the doctors (61.9, 45.4%, respectively). During the harassment situation, astonishment and shock were the most frequent responses in 65.2% of the harassed nurses, while after its occurrence 38.4% ignored the situation. About 95% of the harassed nurses were left with psychological effects, mostly in the form of disappointment and depression (76.5 and 67.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The prevalence of sexual harassment among nurses at the workplace was high with relation to certain occupational factors, and it led to marked psychological effects on the victims. Hence, protective legislations and measures should be taken by the hospital management for prevention of this problem in the future.

Experience and Perception of Sexual Harassment During the Clinical Practice and Self-esteem among Nursing Students

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience and perception of sexual harassment during the clinical practice among nursing students and to identify the relationship between these variables and self-esteem.

METHODS

Participants included 191 senior nursing students who voluntarily participated. Sexual harassment experiences and perceptions were measured using the tools developed by the researcher. Self-esteem was measured using self-esteem inventory developed by Rogenberg.

RESULTS

50.8% of the participants experienced sexual harassment. Physical harassment was the most common, followed by verbal, visual and gender-role related sexual harassment. 'Blocking the way' and 'Brushing one's body on purpose' were the most common behaviors. The perception of sexual harassment severity was 3.35 out of 5 points. There were negative correlation between sexual harassment experience and self-esteem (r=-.17, p=.013). The subjects who experienced sexual harassment showed lower self-esteem score than those who did not (t=-2.10, p=.037). The main offender was a male patient in 40s, and the psychiatric ward was the most vulnerable to sexual harassment.

CONCLUSION

Results showed that sexual harassment in clinical practice among nursing students were serious. It is necessary to develop an educational program to prepare them for sexual harassment in clinical practice.

Sources, incidence and effects of non-physical workplace violence against nurses in Ghana

AIM

To document the incidence, sources and effects of workplace verbal abuse and sexual harassment against Ghanaian nurses.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ghana from 2013-2014 which surveyed 592 professional nurses and midwives working in public hospitals in Ghana using the health sector violence questionnaire.

RESULTS

The majority of participants were females (80%). The average age of participants was 31·76 years and the average number of years practising as nurse was 7·38. Twelve per cent of the participants experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment and 52·2% were exposed to verbal abuse. The majority of perpetrators of sexual harassment were medical doctors (50%). Relatives of patients emerged as the most frequent verbal abusers (45·5%). Chi-square test showed statistically significant associations between gender and workplace violence and between workplace violence and intention to quit the nursing profession. The effects of workplace violence ranged from having disturbing memories about the incident to being 'super alert' and vigilant. Establishing the incidence of workplace violence is a necessary step towards addressing the problem. It is concluded that educational programs must be designed for healthcare workers and the general public to foster awareness of the effects of workplace violence. Clear policies must also be instituted to address the problem.

Worker-to-Worker Violence in Hospitals: Perpetrator Characteristics and Common Dyads

Worker-to-worker (Type III) violence is prevalent in health care settings and has potential adverse consequences for employees and organizations. Little research has examined perpetrator characteristics of this type of violence. The current study is a descriptive examination of the common demographic and work-related characteristics of perpetrators of Type III workplace violence among hospital workers. Analysis was based on documented incidents of Type III violence reported within a large hospital system from 2010 to 2012. Nurses were involved as either the perpetrator or target in the five most common perpetrator-target dyads. Incidence rate ratios revealed that patient care associates and nurses were significantly more likely to be perpetrators than other job titles. By examining characteristics of perpetrators and common worker dyads involved in Type III workplace violence, hospital stakeholders and unit supervisors have a starting point to develop strategies for reducing conflict between workers.

Workplace violence towards workers in the emergency departments of Palestinian hospitals: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Workplace violence (WPV) in hospital emergency departments (EDs) is a common problem. The objective of this study was to assess the characteristics (level and type), associated risk factors, causes, and consequences of WPV against workers in Palestinian EDs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 out of the available 39 EDs in Palestine: 8 from the West Bank and 6 from the Gaza Strip. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire between July-September 2013. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine risk factors associated with exposure to WPV.

RESULTS

A total of 444 participants (response rate 74.5%): 161 (32.0%) nurses, 142 (32%) physicians, and 141 (31.7%) administrative personnel. The majority (76.1%) experienced a type of WPV in the past 12 months: 35.6% exposed to physical and 71.2% to non-physical assaults (69.8% verbal abuses, 48.4% threats, and 8.6% sexual harassments). Perpetrators of physical and non-physical violence were mainly patients' families/visitors (85.4% and 79.5%, respectively). Waiting time, lack of prevention measures, and unmet expectations of patients and their families are the main reasons for WPV. The multivariate regression analysis showed that younger personnel (OR = 2.29 CI 95% 1.309-4.036), clinicians (nurses and physicians) (OR = 1.65 CI 95% 0.979-2.797) comparing with administrative, and less experienced ED personnel (OR = 2.39 CI 95% 1.141-5.006) are significantly at higher risk of exposure to WPV (P < 0.05). Low level (40%) of violence reporting is evident, largely attributed to not enough actions being taken and fear of consequences. Violence has been shown to have considerable consequences for workers' well-being, patient care, and job retention.

CONCLUSIONS

Violence against workers in Palestinian EDs is highly common. The effects of violence are considerable. Multiple factors cause violence; however, EDs' internal-system-related factors are the most amenable to change. Attention should be given to strengthening violence prevention policy and measures and improving incident-reporting system.

Mosaic of verbal abuse experienced by nurses in their everyday work

AIMS

To report observational data collected as part of a multi-phased study examining violence in the health sector. The findings presented detail the nature of verbal abuse experienced by nurses during their everyday interactions with patient, their families, or companions.

BACKGROUND

Nurses have unacceptably high levels of exposure to violence, which commonly includes verbal abuse. However, relatively little is known about the nature of verbal abuse against nurses.

DESIGN

Observational design.

METHODS

During 2010, 1150 hours of observation resulted in data on 220 patients displaying cues for physical violence and 210 qualitative observational notes. These observational notes constitute the data for this paper and reveal the nature of verbal abuse experienced by nurses in their everyday work.

RESULTS

A mosaic of abuse was revealed through three major categories: a discourse of gendered verbal abuse that was largely sexual; insults, ridicule, and unreasonable demands; and hostility, threats, and menacing language.

CONCLUSIONS

For the nurses observed in this study, everyday nursing practice occurred in a backdrop of verbal abuse and hostility, which had a strong theme of gendered and sexualized overtones. We recommend that interventions that target verbal abuse should address the gendered and sexualized nature of the abuse experienced by nurses.

Violence against radiologists. I: Prevalence and preventive measures

PURPOSE

Violence in the workplace is a specific risk for healthcare workers. Radiologists, especially when involved in emergency services, share that risk. Very few studies in the literature have researched this topic. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of violent behaviour in a large sample of Italian radiologists and analyse the phenomenon and its consequences with a view to proposing preventive measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 992 radiologists (61.5% men) taking part in a national radiology congress agreed to respond to a questionnaire on violence that contained the Violent Incident Form by Arnetz for the description of violent incidents in healthcare practice.

RESULTS

Some 6.8% of radiologists in public hospitals experienced physical abuse in the previous 12 months, for the most part from patients or their companions. The prevalence of physical abuse is greatest among younger healthcare individuals with less clinical experience, with no differences between sexes. Among younger radiologists, one in five suffered at least one act of physical abuse in a working year. Nonphysical violence is more widespread and throughout radiologists' working lives affects 65.2% of them. In this case, almost half of the violent incidents originate from colleagues. A total of 5.5% of respondents stated that they were victims of abuse at the time of the survey. In most cases, the violent incidents remain unreported. The immediate consequences of violence in the workplace are emotions such as anger, disappointment, humiliation, anxiety, fear, distress, a feeling of helplessness and isolation, occasionally a feeling of guilt or of having done wrong and a desire to take revenge, change behaviour or change workplace.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of the problem calls for the adoption of a series of measures aimed at eliminating the causes of the various forms of workplace violence.

Violence towards health care workers in a Public Health Care Facility in Italy: a repeated cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Violence at work is one of the major concerns in health care activities. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of physical and non-physical violence in a general health care facility in Italy and to assess the relationship between violence and psychosocial factors, thereby providing a basis for appropriate intervention.

METHODS

All health care workers from a public health care facility were invited to complete a questionnaire containing questions on workplace violence. Three questionnaire-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted. The response rate was 75% in 2005, 71% in 2007, and 94% in 2009. The 2009 questionnaire contained the VIF (Violent Incident Form) for reporting violent incidents, the DCS (demand/control/support) model for job strain, the Colquitt 20 item questionnaire for perceived organizational justice, and the GHQ-12 General Health Questionnaire for the assessment of mental health.

RESULTS

One out of ten workers reported physical assault, and one out of three exposure to non-physical violence in the workplace in the previous year. Nurses and physicians were the most exposed occupational categories, whereas the psychiatric and emergency departments were the services at greatest risk of violence. Workers exposed to non-physical violence were subject to high job strain, low support, low perceived organizational justice, and high psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that health care workers in an Italian local health care facility are exposed to violence. Workplace violence was associated with high demand and psychological disorders, while job control, social support and organizational justice were protective factors.

Violence towards health care workers in a Public Health Care Facility in Italy: a repeated cross-sectional study

Background

Violence at work is one of the major concerns in health care activities. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of physical and non-physical violence in a general health care facility in Italy and to assess the relationship between violence and psychosocial factors, thereby providing a basis for appropriate intervention.

Methods

All health care workers from a public health care facility were invited to complete a questionnaire containing questions on workplace violence. Three questionnaire-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted. The response rate was 75 % in 2005, 71 % in 2007, and 94 % in 2009. The 2009 questionnaire contained the VIF (Violent Incident Form) for reporting violent incidents, the DCS (demand/control/support) model for job strain, the Colquitt 20 item questionnaire for perceived organizational justice, and the GHQ-12 General Health Questionnaire for the assessment of mental health.

Results

One out of ten workers reported physical assault, and one out of three exposure to non-physical violence in the workplace in the previous year. Nurses and physicians were the most exposed occupational categories, whereas the psychiatric and emergency departments were the services at greatest risk of violence. Workers exposed to non-physical violence were subject to high job strain, low support, low perceived organizational justice, and high psychological distress.

Conclusion

Our study shows that health care workers in an Italian local health care facility are exposed to violence. Workplace violence was associated with high demand and psychological disorders, while job control, social support and organizational justice were protective factors.

Violence experienced by Turkish nursing students in clinical settings: their emotions and behaviors

AIM

This descriptive study aimed to determine the violence experiences of nursing students' in clinical settings, the types of violence, and the way their behaviors and emotions are affected after such an experience.

BACKGROUND

The risk of being subjected to violence among health staff is very high and the students who worked in the same kind of work environments also faced similar risks.

METHODS

The data of the study were obtained from the 380 nursing students who were studying at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. Participation was voluntary. A questionnaire form was developed by the researchers and distributed to the students.

RESULTS

It was found that 50.3% of the students were subjected to violence, and 91.6% of these students were subjected to verbal violence. The students most frequently experienced anger, fury, and enmity (84.3%) after confronting violence.

CONCLUSION

Findings of our study showed that similar to nurses, nursing students, who spent a significant proportion of their education in areas of practice, also experienced violence. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent the violence inflicted upon nursing students in clinical settings, and nursing students should be provided with information related to communication and the coping methods with violence during their education.

Exploring factors associated with the incidence of sexual harassment of hospital nurses by patients

PURPOSE

To identify factors affecting nurse-perceived sexual harassment and specific types of patient sexual behavior experienced by Japanese nurses.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional questionnaire study of Japanese hospital nurses.

METHODS

Self-administered questionnaires (N=600) were distributed to Japanese hospital nurses, and 464 were returned (response rate of 77.3%). Two instruments were used: one was for determining sexual harassment by patients, and the other was for determining specific types of patient behavior that had sexual connotations.

FINDINGS

Registered nurses were at a much higher risk of sexual harassment than were nurse assistants. In addition, registered nurses had a much more positive attitude toward gender equality compared with assistant nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive attitude toward gender equality mediated by a relatively high education level might be associated with increasing reports of sexual harassment. An increasing incidence of sexual harassment claims among nurses should prompt hospital organizations to take proper action against it. Education on gender equality was thus considered a long-term solution for reducing the sexual harassment of Japanese hospital nurses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Establishing a safer working environment could enable nurses to provide better care for patients and thereby promote the development of good relationships between nurses and patients.