Psychological and physical impact of violence in psychiatric nurses

Abstract

IntroductionViolence in therapeutic centers, especially psychiatric wards is much higher than other units. In healthcare provider groups, nurses are at high risk of patient's aggression in the workplace.AimsThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of violence on the health of nurses in Razi Hospital in Tehran, Iran.MethodIn this cross-sectional study a total of 312 nurses working in psychiatric hospitals completed a GHQ28 questionnaire.ResultsThe results demonstrated that there is a statistical significant correlation between violence of patients (including physical violence and disrespect) to physical symptoms, anxiety and sleep disorder in nurses (P < 0.05). Also, increased frequency of disrespect by family of patient correlated to higher physical symptoms, anxiety, and sleep disorder in nurses. However, there was not any significant correlation between symptoms of depression, social function with aggressive patients.ConclusionPatients and their relative's violence affect the health of nurses. Therefore, it is necessary the therapeutic interventions for the prevention of physical and mental diseases in nurses and decreased desire to leave the organization.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.