The occurrence and consequences of violence against healthcare workers in Turkey: before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background Before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) were victims of workplace violence (WPV). There are no reliable statistics on the occurrence and consequences of WPV against HCWs in Turkey throughout the pandemic period. Objective We investigated the rates of WPV against HCWs in Turkey in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, variables associated with WPV, and the relationship between these variables and job satisfaction and burnout. Methods A structured online questionnaire was disseminated through social media channels to HCWs in various healthcare settings. All the respondents also completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Job Satisfaction Scale. Based on the data obtained, we determined the frequency, causes, and consequences of WPV against HCWs before and during the pandemic. Results There were 701 completed questionnaires. 68.2% of participants were female, and 65.6% of them were doctors. The rate of WPV was 54.1% and 24.3% before and during the pandemic, respectively. Verbal abuse was the most common kind of WPV. Female HCWs were more likely to be physically assaulted than their male counterparts, especially those working in COVID-19 units. The majority of HCWs who were exposed to the violence at least once did not report WPV. HCWs exposed to WPV during the pandemic reported more emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and a lower perceived level of personal achievement. Conclusion HCWs were exposed to significant levels of violence both before and during the pandemic. Preventing WPV against HCWs and removing barriers to reporting abuse is crucial.

Violence on the front line: a qualitative comparative analysis of the causes of patient violence towards medical staff in China during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Patient violence towards medical staff has become an increasingly common occurrence in healthcare settings worldwide (Ozdamar Unal et al, 2022 ). The COVID-19 global pandemic exposed this situation which poses serious challenges to the safety, and mental and physical wellbeing of medical staff (Bellman et al, 2022 ; Catton, 2020 ; Romate & Rajkumar, 2022 ).…”

Factors Affecting COVID-19-Related Fear and Burnout in Surgical Nurses

“…A meta-analysis by Ramzi et al [ 45 ] revealed that the prevalence of violence against healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic was 47% [ 45 ]. Several studies from Turkey also showed that a high rate of the health professionals were affected by violence before and during the pandemic [ 46 , 47 ]. Consistent with the literature [ 45 – 47 ], the present study also showed that almost half of the nurses (45.80%) were exposed to violence.…”

“…Several studies from Turkey also showed that a high rate of the health professionals were affected by violence before and during the pandemic [ 46 , 47 ]. Consistent with the literature [ 45 – 47 ], the present study also showed that almost half of the nurses (45.80%) were exposed to violence. It was surprising that exposure to violence did not have an effect on COVID-19 burnout.…”

“…It may be that violence against healthcare professionals has never decreased [ 48 ]. However, there have been studies showing a positive correlation between exposure to violence and burnout in nurses [ 45 – 47 ]. Özdamar Ünal et al [ 47 ] reported that health professionals witnessing or exposed to violence had higher levels of emotional burnout and desensitization [ 47 ].…”

Quiet quitting: A significant risk for global healthcare

“…Beyond that, increased exposure to physical violence is perhaps the most crucial factor that should not be ignored. In fragile countries with toxic organizational structures, the absence of strict laws has fuelled the rates of violence and put health workers in an unfavourable position [ 8 ]. In fact, the idea that they are more likely to be punished in case of a complaint despite being subjected to violence or that the legal sanctions against the perpetrator of the violent act are not going to not work was adopted by some HWs and led to an increase in psychological problems.…”