Workplace Aggression in Cuban Health Care Settings

Area of Science:

• Healthcare management
• Occupational health
• Cross-cultural studies

Background:

• Workplace aggression (WPA) is a global issue.
• Limited research exists on WPA in Cuba.
• Understanding cultural factors influencing WPA is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the nature of WPA in Cuban healthcare settings.
• To identify potential prevention strategies for WPA in the U.S. based on the Cuban model.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative case study design.
• Site visits to healthcare settings in Havana, Cuba.
• Interviews with 18 key informants and environmental documentation via digital photography.

Main Results:

• Workplace aggression is infrequent in Cuba, primarily manifesting as verbal abuse.
• Factors common in U.S. WPA, such as illicit substance use and long wait times, appear less prevalent.
• Cuban culture, tolerance for waiting, and limited access to substances may contribute to lower WPA rates.

Conclusions:

• The low incidence of WPA in Cuba may be attributed to its caring culture, tolerance for wait times, and reduced access to illicit substances.
• Implementing prevention strategies inspired by the Cuban model could potentially decrease WPA in the United States.