Workplace-related violence among pregnant health care workers

Abstract

Background Women in health care represent an ancient and widespread profession. Violence against women is a pervasive violation of fundamental human rights of women. Pregnancy is a risk factor for increase in violence, especially in health care facilities. Research design A descriptive design was used in this study. Settings The study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals. Sample A convenience sample was used, including 231 pregnant health care workers (HCWs). A structured questionnaire sheet was constructed by the researchers to collect data of this study and included four parts. Tools The first part is a structured questionnaire constructed by the investigators to collect the data. The second part is the obstetric history. The third part is the information related to workplace violence assessment. The fourth part included maternal and neonatal assessment sheet. Results More than two-thirds (68.3%) of pregnant HCWs had been exposed to workplace violence. Pregnant HCWs working in most departments experienced violence, with highest frequency observed in the emergency department. Verbal violence (47.2%) was the most common form of violence followed by psychological (30.7%), physical (19.5%), and finally sexual violence (2.6%). Pregnant HCWs faced many maternal and fetal complications, with the complications of first and second stages of labor and fetal distress being 7.8 and 67.1%, respectively. Approximately 43.3% of pregnant HCWs were more likely to deliver by cesarean. However, 37.7% have premature rupture of membrane (PROM), and 27.7% have low-birth-weight, and 20.8% preterm births.. Conclusion Pregnant HCWs face many maternal and fetal complications because of violence, such as abortion, deterioration in the progress of labor, cesarean delivery, fetal distress, PROM, low-birth weight, and preterm birth. Recommendation Special attention should be directed to control violence against pregnant HCWs, especially those who have a history of exposure to violence.