P-377 Workplace Violence Among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Workplace violence is an underreported problem, and there are few studies on workplace external violence (WEV) in healthcare workers. The aim objective of this study is to estimate prevalence of the WEV among healthcare workers and to characterize it. Methods Cross-sectional study among healthcare staff in Berrechid Hospital Center in Morocco, using anonymous self-reported questionnaire inspired of instruments from ILO/WHO/ICN/PSI Joint Programme on Workplace Violence in the Health Sector. Results The study involved 100 healthcare workers. WEV Prevalence was about 91%, including 59% of nurses, 94.6% of male staff and 88.8 % of female personnel. 68% was verbal abuse and 32% physical violence. The most reached categories were paramedical staff (59%) and the most affected services were Emergencies (97%). The circumstances were related to organizational factors as long wait times. The potential aggressor is mostly a patient’s companion. Serious psychological consequences were expressed as insecurity (70%), irritability (56%), 34% thought of changing the service. Only 12% were declared as work-related accidents. Discussion The results of our study are consistent with those of the scientific literature which reports a predominance of WEV among female staff, nurses and in emergency departments. Likewise, organizational factors as long wait times are possible risk factors for workplace violence. Decreased productivity and overall feelings are also noted in several studies. Conclusion The recommendations issued following this study were of needing workplace violence prevention policy at national and local level, elaborating legal and regulatory requirements and recognition of psychological consequences as recovered occupational diseases.