Racial and Ethnic Differences in Factors Related to Workplace Violence Victimization

Abstract

Work place violence (WPV) is a significant public health concern affecting all racial or ethnic groups. This study examined whether different racial/ethnic groups differed in vulnerability to WPV exposure and utilization of resources at the workplace. This cross sectional research focused on White, Black and Asian nursing employees (N=2033) employed in four health care institutions in a Mid-Atlantic US metropolitan area. While childhood physical abuse was significantly related to risk for WPV among workers from all racial/ethnic backgrounds, intimate partner abuse was a significant factor for Asians and Whites. Blacks and Asians were found to be less likely than Whites to be knowledgeable about WPV resources or use resources to address WPV. Services to address past trauma, and education and training opportunities for new workers may reduce risk for WPV and promote resource utilization among minority workers.

Workplace Bullying Among Junior Doctors in Malaysia: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

“…Finally, in relation to ethnicity, Chadaga et al ( 37 ) reported significant differences in workplace bullying among white and non-white participants. This difference could perhaps be attributed to inequalities in both personal and social vulnerabilities among employees of different ethnicities that are intrinsic in certain cultures ( 45 ).…”

Workplace interventions for intimate partner violence: A systematic review

“…Tailored and culturally appropriate workplace interventions may be needed given that the needs of individuals and companies can vary (Alexander, 2011;MacGregor et al, 2016;Samuel, Tudor, Weinstein, Moss, & Glass, 2011). For example, prior research has documented that disclosure and help seeking in the workplace was particularly complicated for Latina employees (Samuel et al, 2011) and that Black and Asian employees in a nursing setting were less likely than White employees to be aware of and use resources to address violence (Sabri et al, 2015). This study highlights the need for interventions that reflect the specific barriers and concerns of communities to be able to be accessible to employees of various backgrounds.…”

Does administrative support negate the consequences of nurse abuse?

“…It could also be that there is a curvilinear effect between length of employment and abuse as Sabri et al . () suggested with those working less than a year and more than a year experiencing more abuse, and those who work more than 15 years experiencing less abuse. Males reported more disruptive/abusive situations, which is in line with most previous studies (Estryn‐Behar et al .…”

“…In a review of 136 studies on 151 347 nurses from 160 samples, the highest rates for physical and sexual abuse at workplace were found in the Anglo region while the highest rates of psychological abuse were found in the Middle East (Sabri et al . ). The consequences of nurse abuse are numerous and affect both the wellbeing of the nurse and the patient (Gerberich et al .…”

“…A study in Iran reported that 29.1% participants experienced physical abuse and 95.9% participants were abused verbally (Khademloo et al 2013). In a review of 136 studies on 151 347 nurses from 160 samples, the highest rates for physical and sexual abuse at workplace were found in the Anglo region while the highest rates of psychological abuse were found in the Middle East (Sabri et al 2015). The consequences of nurse abuse are numerous and affect both the wellbeing of the nurse and the patient , Child & Mentes 2010.…”