Prevalence and Determinants of Workplace Violence Against Pediatric Emergency Healthcare Workers and Its Effect on...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Workplace violence (WPV) poses a significant threat to healthcare professionals globally.
• Pediatric emergency departments present unique challenges and potential risks for WPV.
• Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of WPV is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and risk factors of WPV among pediatric emergency healthcare workers.
• To evaluate the association between WPV and psychological resilience in this population.
• To inform the development of effective violence prevention and intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, correlational study design.
• Data collection on WPV prevalence, types, and associated risk factors.
• Statistical analysis to identify independent predictors of WPV and its relationship with psychological resilience.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of WPV was 69.8%, including verbal abuse (56.9%), bullying/mobbing (37.6%), physical abuse (12.8%), and sexual abuse (2.2%).
• Independent predictors of WPV included being single/separated/divorced/widowed, physician or staff roles, direct patient contact, and lack of reporting encouragement.
• WPV was significantly associated with lower psychological resilience.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric emergency healthcare workers experience high rates of WPV, with specific demographic and occupational factors increasing risk.
• The link between WPV and reduced psychological resilience highlights the need for supportive measures.
• Comprehensive violence prevention, preparedness, and intervention programs are essential in all pediatric emergency departments.