Workplace Violence Against Nurses in Croatia: A Cross-Sectional Study on Its Frequency, Impact, and Solutions

This study aimed to analyze the frequency of workplace violence against nurses in Croatia, its psychological consequences, and existing institutional measures to address this issue.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Croatian nurses in October and November 2023 using a convenience sample recruited via a social media platform. The questionnaire included 38 closed-ended questions covering socio-demographic data, experiences of physical, verbal, and sexual violence, and measures implemented to prevent or address workplace violence.

A total of 318 nurses participated in the study. Most participants (70%) reported experiencing some form of workplace violence in the past 12 months. Verbal violence was most frequent (66%), followed by physical (21%) and sexual violence (13%). Patients were the most common perpetrators of physical violence (84%), followed by relatives and healthcare staff. No statistically significant differences were found between the reporting of violent incidents and the level of nurses' education, nor between the intensity of psychological consequences and years of nurses' work experience. Nearly half of the participants (48%) stated that no formal measures existed in their workplace to prevent or respond to violence.

Among nurses participating in this study, workplace violence was frequently reported, while work experience was not associated with psychological consequences. The findings indicate that workplace violence remains a relevant issue and may inform future efforts to improve preventive measures in healthcare settings.