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Background Physical or psychological violence in the workplace have become a global problem, posing a huge threat to the health-sector. Recently violence against healthcare in Bangladesh has been triggered and intensified simultaneously. COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the global healthcare systems, putting healthcare providers (HCPs) under physiological pressure. In Bangladesh, data on healthcare violence during COVID-19 is very limited. Objectives This research has explored the underlying causes of violence against HCPs during the pandemic. Methods A country-wide mixed-method study was undertaken from January-March 2022. A total of 1703 healthcare personnel (HCPs) of all categories were identified from 61 randomly selected primary, secondary and tertiary level public health facilities and secondary level private facilities from eight divisions of the country to collect quantitative data. 50 focus group discussions (FGDs) with patients and attendants, 92 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with HCPs and 94 IDIs with patients/attendants and member of law enforcing agency, and 30 key informant interviews (KIIs) with health administrators, politicians were conducted to collect qualitative data. Descriptive analysis was done with the quantitative data. Qualitative data was analysed by examining the transcripts and note-takers' notes in detail to identify various thematic areas. Results About 5.2% reported that they experienced physical and verbal violence and only 1.3% observed working place damages incidents related to the COVID-19. Great number COVID-19 patients' flow, inappropriate service from HCPs, misbehave from facility-authorities, inpatient to get the services, mismanagement, lack of experience to deal with COVID-19 situation were identified the contributing factors from various levels participants' perspectives. These factors triggered verbal, physical, and even facility damages violence. Due to violence at the health facility, the quality of care declined, using of political power increased to get the services, increased eviction of health personnel from their jobs and a reduction in the availability of health services to the public. Conclusion Findings showed that violence had occurred at hospitals in the post COVID-19 situation. Research recommended that HCPs, staff, patients, attendants, and political-leaders need training and awareness building on how to provide and get service from health-facilities during pandemic. A multi-sectoral approach is needed to develop awareness building mechanisms.
Dutta et al. (Fri,) studied this question.