WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AGAINST HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN JEDDAH: DETERMINANTS, PERCEIVED IMPACTS AND CAUSES

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to workplace violence, impacting their mental health and performance at work. This study aims to assess the extent of workplace violence in Jeddahs healthcare facilities, and its determinants. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 402 healthcare workers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a questionnaire that evaluate workplace violence, the impact of violent incidents, reporting of incidents, mitigation strategies, and risk factors associated with workplace violence. Results: Verbal violence was prevalent, with 65.4% of participants experiencing it, while physical violence was reported by 8.7% of the respondents, over a third (34.6%) never experienced verbal violence, while 13.7% encountered daily verbal violence. Females were more significantly affected by verbal violence compared to males. Physical violence was more prevalent among non-Saudi providers (p=0.015), and primary healthcare workers were more prone to physical violence than hospital workers (p=0.002). Nurses were more exposed to physical violence than physicians (p=0.015). Verbal and physical violence were significantly higher in emergency departments (p=0.003 and p=0.006, respectively). Workplace violence had various impacts on participants, including reduced motivation and efficiency, a desire to change their work, and negative effects on personal well-being and mental health. Common causes reported include overcrowding, disrespect towards healthcare workers, lack of punishment for aggressors, and long waiting times in healthcare facilities. Conclusions: Workplace violence is prevalent in the healthcare facilities in Jeddah, mostly in primary healthcare centers and emergency departments, and female and non-Saudi workers are the most vulnerable, with various undesired impacts.