Workplace Incivility and Suicidal Ideation in Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Independent, Cumulative, and...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Mental Health
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Nurses report higher rates of workplace incivility and suicide risk compared to the general population.
• The precise magnitude of this association has not been empirically quantified.
• Workplace incivility is a significant concern within the nursing profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the association between workplace incivility and suicidal ideation in nurses.
• To explore independent, cumulative, and pattern-specific associations of incivility from various sources with suicidal ideation.
• To provide empirical evidence for targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 2337 nurses.
• Convenience sampling was utilized for participant enrollment.
• Suicidal ideation and workplace incivility were assessed using validated scales (National Comorbidity Survey items, Nursing Incivility Scale).
• Logistic regression and latent profile analysis were employed.

Main Results:

• Workplace incivility significantly elevated the risk of suicidal ideation, even after adjusting for confounders.
• Nurse-initiated incivility demonstrated the strongest association with increased suicidal ideation risk.
• A dose-response relationship was found between cumulative incivility and suicidal ideation risk.
• Specific incivility patterns, such as "high incivility" and "patient and physician incivility," were linked to higher risks.

Conclusions:

• Nurses experiencing workplace incivility exhibit a heightened risk of suicidal ideation.
• Healthcare institutions and nursing management should integrate workplace incivility screening into suicide prevention strategies.
• Addressing workplace incivility is crucial for improving nurses' mental well-being.