WORKPLACE VIOLENCE EXPERIENCES AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN RIVERS STATE

This study investigates the prevalence of physical workplace violence and the socio-demographic characteristics of healthcare workers in public hospitals in Rivers State. A descriptive research design was employed with a sample size of 495 healthcare workers selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure from a population of 3,000. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.74, and were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, percentage, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that physical violence (2.05±1.00) was experienced to a high extent, with common forms of physical violence including kicking (2.17±1.04), pinching (2.16±0.99), injury (2.14±1.11), forceful pushing (2.12±1.02), and beating (2.11±1.04). Psychological violence was also prevalent, with intimidation (2.44±0.84), verbal warnings (2.39±0.95), humiliation (2.33±0.95), use of abusive language (2.25±1.04), discrimination (2.24±0.94), and threats of harm (2.05±0.98). The study found a significant difference in the experience of physical violence based on departmental placement (p<0.05). The study suggests that to reduce workplace violence, the government should provide better security in public hospitals, such as assigning dedicated security personnel, to deter violent acts against healthcare workers. The findings underline the need for greater attention to workplace violence as a critical issue affecting healthcare workers' well-being