PRECIOUS ORUNCHUKWU NGWOKOR

Introduction: Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers is a major occupational and public health concern globally, with significant consequences on the safety, psychological well-being, job satisfaction, and productivity of healthcare personnel. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, causes, and effects of workplace violence against healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services department, Benin City, Edo State. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services Department. A total population survey method was used, and data are collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Council of Nurses (ICN), World Health Organization (WHO), and Public Services International (PSI) workplace violence research instrument, administered through both self-administered and interviewer-administered approaches. One hundred and sixty-five completed questionnaires are analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, with descriptive and inferential statistics performed at a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The lifetime prevalence of workplace violence among respondents was 35.2%, while 21.2% and 33.3% report experiencing physical violence and verbal abuse respectively within the six months preceding the study. Patients or clients constitute the major perpetrators of both physical violence (72.7%) and verbal abuse (72.7%). Professional category shows a statistically significant association with workplace violence (p = 0.003), with clinical staff experiencing a higher prevalence than non-clinical staff. The major perceived causes of workplace violence are the non-availability of doctors or nurses on call duty (72.7%) and the aggressive personality of perpetrators (70.9%). Post-traumatic stress disorder (63.1%) and loss of job satisfaction (53.3%) are the most commonly reported effects of workplace violence among respondents. Conclusion: Workplace violence occurs among healthcare workers in the University of Benin Health Services Department, with verbal abuse being more commonly reported than physical violence. Non-availability of healthcare workers on call duty and aggressive behaviour of perpetrators emerge as the major perceived causes, while post-traumatic stress disorder and loss of job satisfaction constitute the major effects. Strengthened institutional policies, improved staffing, and supportive interventions are needed to reduce workplace violence and improve healthcare worker safety.