Prevalence and associated factors of violence against nurses in emergency departments of hospitals in Kirkuk, Iraq: A cross-sectional study

Violence against nurses, particularly in emergency departments, poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems and can lead to numerous negative consequences for nursing staff. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of workplace violence against nurses in emergency departments of hospitals in Kirkuk, Iraq. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 240 nurses working in emergency departments of hospitals in Kirkuk, Iraq, using a census sampling method. Data were collected through self-reported demographic and occupational forms, along with a workplace violence questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 12, employing descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model. Findings revealed that 30.96% of participating nurses had experienced some form of violence in the past six weeks. The most common type was verbal violence (22.92%), with insults being the most frequent form. The primary perpetrators were patients' families/companions (53.95%), and most incidents occurred during evening and night shifts (88.61%). Sexual violence was reported by 4.62% of nurses, while 5.46% experienced racial violence. Notably, 65.38% of nurses did not report violent incidents. Multiple linear regression analysis identified significant associations between violence exposure and variables such as emergency department type, job satisfaction, and workplace relationships (P<0.05). The study highlights the high prevalence of violence against emergency nurses in Kirkuk, emphasizing the role of occupational and cultural factors. Recommendations include public awareness campaigns on nurses' roles, addressing patient/family needs and cultural differences, and implementing educational interventions, improved reporting systems, and organizational support to reduce violence in emergency settings.