Prevalence and Pattern of Workplace Violence and Ethnic Discrimination among Workers in a Tertiary Institution in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Work and work environment are important influences on both health and production. Psychosocial hazards, including Work place occupational violence and racial discrimination, may be assuming a major place in occupational health and safety, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Work place occupational violence and racial discrimination, though appears latent, equally appears to receive little attention in workplaces. Aim: The study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of workplace violence and racial discrimination as work place psychosocial hazards in a tertiary University in Southern Nigeria. Methodology: Following approval from the Research Ethic Committee of the University of Port Harcourt, 600 consenting staffers of the University of Port Harcourt were recruited by systematic random sampling and pretested structured closed ended self administered questionnaire and adapted Matrix Risk checklist were used for data collection from respondents. Results were presented via descriptive and analytical methods. Results: Work place violence, i.e, physical assault had a prevalence of 9.9% (n = 55). Also Ethnic/tribal discrimination had a 7% (n = 39). Risk factors included work load (98.2%) home-work interface (82.0%), career 70.1%, interpersonal relationship (64.0%), work schedule 53%, lack of career development 58.7%, unfair target or goals 46.2%, job security 20.1% and working alone or night work 21.7%. Conclusion: Work place occupational violence and racial discrimination with its attendant preventable risk factors is present among workers at the University of Port Harcourt. There is need by the University to adopt and enforce appropriate occupational health and safety policies and measures to prevent and control this psychosocial hazard.