Workplace violence toward healthcare workers in primary healthcare centers in Holy City Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Workplace violence (WPV) is a serious threat to healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. It affects their physical and mental health and impairs work performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WPV against HCWs at the primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Makkah city. The study assessed the WPV occurrence, types, causes, consequences, and perpetrators and aimed to explore HCWs' responses to violence and awareness of a reporting system.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study included 400 HCWs at PHCs in Makkah city recruited using cluster sampling. A structured self-reported questionnaire collected demographic and occupational characteristics, violence occurrence, and other characteristics of the violent acts, and finally described violence reporting. Pearson's chi-square analysis was used to test the differences in violence exposure according to respondents' characteristics. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed on all potential predictors of WPV.

RESULTS

WPV prevalence was 32.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2793-0.3733); 93.1% reported verbal violence, 40.8% intimidation, and 6.2% physical violence; 80% of violent events were initiated during morning shifts. Perpetrators were mostly men; 36.2% of WPV was initiated by patients. 40% of HCWs did not report violent incidents; the most common reason was perceived inefficacy. Only 46.3% of HCWs were aware of a violence reporting system. The lack of penalties was the most common cause of violence against HCWs, and 41.5% were dissatisfied with the consequences. A regression analysis revealed that pharmacists, working on different shifts and working in settings involving male patients, were more prone to WPV acts (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.8, 1.97, and 4.5, respectively). Married employees appeared more protected against WPV (AOR = 0.5) (overall model: chi-square χ² = 68.085, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

Although HCWs in Makkah PHCs were frequently subjected to WPV, especially doctors and pharmacists, they frequently chose not to report. A dearth of WPV reporting knowledge suggests that HCWs should be given appropriate training. A national mechanism to monitor and stop violence against HCWs must be implemented.