Prevalence of Workplace Violence Against Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundA large number of anxious and concerned people refer to health centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the workload of healthcare workers (HCWs) and violence against these professionals. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of workplace violence (WPV) against HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted via searching in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, and observational articles reporting the prevalence of WPV against HCWs were selected. Heterogeneity between the studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test. A random-effects model was used to estimate the prevalence of WPV. Data analysis was performed in the Stata software version 16.ResultsIn the initial search, 680 articles were identified and screened based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) steps. In total, 17 studies with a sample size of 17,207 HCWs were analyzed. The total prevalence of violence was estimated at 47% (95% CI: 34–61%). In addition, the prevalence of physical and psychological violence was 17% (95% CI: 6–28%) and 44% (95% CI: 31–57%), respectively. The prevalence of WPV was higher among physicians (68%; 95% CI: 31–95%) compared to other HCWs. The WPV in the America and Asia was 58 and 44%, respectively.ConclusionAccording to the results, WPV against nurses is prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, and intervention measures are required to protect the nursing staff against such violence.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and risk factors of workplace violence among healthcare workers in China

“…Violence against healthcare workers has become an international emergency, destroying the foundation of the health system and seriously affecting the health of patients ( 32 ). In our study, the incidence of WPV experienced and witnessed by healthcare workers, which was in the range from 50.0 to 84.2% reported in the past ( 33 , 34 ), similar to the prevalence of other outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the combined prevalence of WPV among healthcare workers in Asia and the America at 44.0 and 58.0%, respectively ( 35 ). But lacking the comparable studies a year or more after the peak of COVID-19.…”

“…There is insufficient research on the relationship between the mental health status of health workers and WPV during the COVID-19 outbreak, especially on the long-term impact of 1 year or more after the peak of COVID-19. Several studies have previously reported on the psychological outcomes of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic ( 53 , 58 ), and some studies have reported WPV against healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic ( 35 ), but studies on the relationship between the two outcomes are lacking, especially in different times of COVID-19. We hypothesized that the mental health status of health workers and WPV were interactive.…”

Workplace violence, bullying, burnout, job satisfaction and their correlation with depression among Bangladeshi nurses: A cross-sectional survey during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The widespread COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in acts of violence and bullying directed towards healthcare workers (HCWs) [ 25 , 26 ]. During the COVID-19 outbreak, there had been several reports of acts of violence, harassment, and stigmatization directed toward HCWs as well as patients [ 27 ].…”

The impact of violence on healthcare workers' mental health in conflict based settings amidst COVID‐19 pandemic, and potential interventions: A narrative review

“…Ramzi ZS et al in their recent systematic review and meta‐analysis, concluded violence against HCWs to have risen during the pandemic, with the prevalence estimated to be 47% ranging from verbal to physical violence 19 . The study included 17,201 medical staff and the prevalence of workplace violence statistics was irrespective of sample sizes and the age of HCWs 19 . The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) reported total 611 cases where HCWs faced violence, harassment and stigmatization including 20% being physical assault, 15% being discriminatory violence and 15% being verbal abuse 17 .…”