Prevalence, Characterization and Predictors of Physical Workplace Violence among Doctors and Nurses in Public Hospitals of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) is currently a global phenomenon that is gradually becoming a public health concern in most work environments. This study aimed to assess and compare the prevalence, characterization and predictors of physical workplace violence among doctors and nurses in public hospitals of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2021 involving the use of a self- administered questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 230 doctors and 230 nurses from 10 public hospitals in the State. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The significance level was set at p<0.05 and the confidence interval at 95%. Results: The prevalence of physical violence was significantly higher in nurses (24.8%) compared to doctors (10.4%) p<0.001. The main perpetrators of physical violence were patient relatives. Respondents from both professional groups reported the use of weapons by perpetrators to commit the act of violence (nurses-80.7% vs doctors79.2%). Predictors of physical workplace violence among the doctors included being male (OR=3.34, 95%CI=1.09-10.25) and working in the psychiatry unit (OR=11.62, 95%CI=2.65-50.94), while among the nurses, it included working in the psychiatry (OR=25.48, 95%CI=6.89-94.35) and emergency units (OR=5.44, 95%CI=2.11-14.06). Conclusion: Safety at the workplace is an important prerequisite in guaranteeing quality service delivery and the best possible performance of the workforce. The high prevalence of physical violence in this study underscores the need for hospital management to develop and implement zero-tolerance policies to prevent violence in healthcare settings.