THE IMPACT OF PATIENT’S BULLYING BEHAVIOUR AND MISTREATMENTON NURSES’ MENTAL HEALTH AND JOB PERFORMANCE IN AHOSPITALINBENIN CITY
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Patient bullying behavior and mistreatment have emerged as significant concerns in healthcare settings, with serious implications for nurses’ mental health and job performance. This study examined the impact of such negative patient behaviors on nurses working in selected wards at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from83nurses using structured questionnaires. Findings indicated a high prevalence of patient-initiated mistreatment, including verbal abuse (98.3%), threats (80.1%), sexual harassment
(69%), and physical assault (54.5%). Contributing factors identified included prolonged patient waiting times, understaffing, ineffective communication, unmet expectations, and inadequate hospital security. The study revealed that bullying and mistreatment from patients significantly affected nurses’ mental health, motivation, job performance, and their ability to deliver high-quality care. Despite the frequent occurrences, many nurses did not report these incidents. Participants emphasized the need for ef ective interventions such as conflict resolution training, increased staffing, enhanced security measures, access to psychological support, and improved communication with patients. The study concludes that patient
Bullying and mistreatment pose a serious threat to nurses’ well-being and job ef ectiveness, and calls for immediate attention from hospital administrators and policymakers toimplement comprehensive strategies for a safer and more supportive work environment
(69%), and physical assault (54.5%). Contributing factors identified included prolonged patient waiting times, understaffing, ineffective communication, unmet expectations, and inadequate hospital security. The study revealed that bullying and mistreatment from patients significantly affected nurses’ mental health, motivation, job performance, and their ability to deliver high-quality care. Despite the frequent occurrences, many nurses did not report these incidents. Participants emphasized the need for ef ective interventions such as conflict resolution training, increased staffing, enhanced security measures, access to psychological support, and improved communication with patients. The study concludes that patient
Bullying and mistreatment pose a serious threat to nurses’ well-being and job ef ectiveness, and calls for immediate attention from hospital administrators and policymakers toimplement comprehensive strategies for a safer and more supportive work environment
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