NCJ Number
232404
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2006 Pages: 276-296
Date Published
February 2006
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence rates and risk factors of violence in the healthcare workplace in western Turkey.
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the contributing factors to and frequency of violence against health care workers (HCWs) working in western Turkey. The population is composed of a random sample of 1,209 HCWs from 34 health care workplaces. Written questionnaires were given to HCWs at all sites, where staff were instructed to register all types of violence they had experienced. In all, 49.5 percent of HCWs reported having experienced verbal, physical, or verbal and physical violence, with this total being made up of 39.6 percent men and 60.4 percent women. A larger percentage (69.6 percent) of general practitioners reported experiencing verbal abuse and physical violence by patients and patients' family members or friends. Younger workers, inexperienced staff, and those in emergency services were more likely to report violence. Violence directed toward HCWs is a common occupational hazard. Public health authorities should plan preventive interventions based on the findings of this study. Tables and references (Published Abstract)