WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Workplace violence against nurses is a growing concern that negatively affects their well- being, job performance, and the quality of patient care. This study investigated the factors influencing workplace violence and its impact on nurses’ job performance in selected wards at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected from 101 nurses using structured questionnaires. Results revealed a high prevalence of workplace violence, with verbal abuse (98.3%), threats (80.1%), sexual harassment (69%), and physical assault (54.5%)
commonly experienced. Major contributing factors identified included long patient waiting times, understaffing, poor communication, unmet patient expectations, and lack of hospital security. The study also found that workplace violence significantly affected nurses’ job performance, motivation, mental health, and ability to deliver quality patient care. Despite the frequency of incidents, a significant portion of nurses did not report cases of violence. Respondents strongly supported strategies such as conflict resolution training, increased staffing, improved security, psychological support, and better communication with patients as effective in reducing violence. T