Workplace violence in health care settings and adverse mental health outcomes among health care workers of Nepal: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Violence against health care workers (HCWs) is an emerging problem which has a wide range of impact on physical and mental health, standard of care giving, and work productivity of health professionals. The major aim of the present study was to determine workplace violence (WPV) and its associated variables carrying the risk of undergoing mental health disorders (stress, anxiety and depression.)

Methods: From May 2023 to October 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in hospital settings amongst 367 HCWs working in various hospitals of Nepal by using Standard Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) tool. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression, as well as descriptive analysis, was done.

Results: WPV among study participants was 46%. Verbal violence (42.2%) was the most common. Male (AOR:2.8), staying in joint/extended family (AOR:1.7), perceiving work as stressful (AOR: 2.6) were more likely to experience WPV. HCWs experiencing at least a form of violence were more likely to face depression (COR: 3.3), anxiety (COR: 3) and stress (COR: 3.3) later onwards.

Conclusion: WPV is a threat soaring among the HCW's.  Male gender, type of family, and stressful nature of work were the determining factors for experiencing WPV. Violence among HCWs increased the chance of acquiring depression, anxiety and stress.  It is imperative to establish evidence-based strategies to prevent workplace violence and foster a positive workplace culture in order to preserve psychological wellbeing among HCWs.