Workplace Violence against Nurses Working at Private Teaching Hospitals of Kathmandu: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Workplace violence in hospitals is a global concern and is considered as a major occupational hazard for all health care providers including the nurses. The aim of this study was to assess the status of workplace violence against nurses at hospitals in Kathmandu and determine the actions taken to investigate its cause.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenient sample of 100 registered nurses employed in Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, and Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital. All eligible nurses who were willing to participate irrespective of their academic fulfilment, from all different shifts and of age below 45 years were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS software. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC) of Nepal Medical College and Kathmandu Medical College.

Results: Among 100 participants, the prevalence of workplace violence was 72 (72%) (62.13-80.52, 95% Confidence Interval). Verbal abuse accounted to 50 (69.44%), followed by physical violence accounting 17 (23.61%). Action was taken to investigate the causes of both physical violence 5 (29.41%) and verbal abuse 2 (4%) by the hospital administration 3 (60%) in physical violence and 2 (100%) in verbal abuse and police 2 (40%) in physical violence.

Conclusions: The study reveals a troubling reality, as the vast majority of nurses reported experiencing various forms of violence in their workplace. So, addressing this issue immediately could protect nurses' well-being and ensure quality care which benefits both healthcare professionals and patients.