occupational health

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.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of occupational disability worldwide, particularly among manual laborers such as bricklayers who are frequently exposed to physical stressors like lifting, bending, and awkward postures. Despite its impact on productivity and health, there is limited local data on LBP among bricklayers in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 222 active bricklayers in Egor LGA using a structured, validated questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence data, while Chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to determine associations between LBP and occupational/personal factors at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that the 12-month prevalence of LBP among bricklayers was high. Significant occupational factors associated with LBP included prolonged bending, lifting heavy materials, poor posture, and long working hours. Personal factors such as age, smoking, and elevated body mass index (BMI) also contributed significantly. The majority of affected workers reported recurrent pain episodes that interfered with daily work performance and overall well-being. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among bricklayers in Egor LGA is substantial and largely attributable to preventable ergonomic and behavioral factors. Strengthening ergonomic education, enforcing rest breaks, and promoting the use of mechanical aids can reduce the burden of LBP and enhance worker productivity.