Navigating the Storm: Exploring Triggers, Preventive Strategies, and Sociocultural Dynamics of Violence in Healthcare Settings-A Cross-Sectional Study in Damietta Governorate, Egypt.

Abstract

Aim: Explore and describe the triggers, preventive strategies, and sociocultural dynamics of violence in healthcare settings, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of nurses Damietta Governorate, Egypt.

Design: A cross-sectional design.

Methods: A stratified random sampling approach was followed to ensure representation from all departments by recruiting 424 nurses from several hospitals in Egypt. Self-administered questionnaires were applied, using validated instruments such as the Hospital Safety Climate Scale, the Coping Strategies Inventory, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Perceived Causes of Workplace Violence Questionnaire, and the Workplace Violence Scale to collect data. Data analysis using SPSS version 26 was carried out with descriptive statistics including means and standard deviations. STROBE reporting guidelines were followed.

Results: Nurses had a moderate level of verbal abuse (mean 3.50) and bullying/harassment (mean 3.00) and lesser incidences of physical violence (mean 2.80) and sexual harassment (mean 2.70). The most common cause was perceived as organisational factors (mean 3.80) and then environmental (mean 3.60) and sociocultural (mean 3.40). Problem-focused coping strategies, which were used mostly (mean 3.45), emotional exhaustion (mean 4.20), making the overall burnout level moderate (mean 3.83). The safety climate had positive perceptions concerning management support (mean 3.80), an area needing improvement in safety communication (mean 3.70) and staff training (mean 3.60).

Conclusion: The study underscores the prevalent issues of workplace violence and emotional exhaustion among nurses, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address these challenges.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Implementing comprehensive support programs, enhancing safety protocols, and focusing on both problem-focused and emotional support strategies are essential for improving nurse well-being and reducing workplace violence. These measures will contribute to a safer working environment and better patient care outcomes.

Impact: What problem did the study address? The study explored and described the high incidence of workplace violence and its impact on nurses' emotional well-being and job satisfaction in Egyptian healthcare settings. What were the main findings? Prevalent verbal abuse and bullying were noted in the study, with the organisational factors identified as the most important cause. High levels of emotional exhaustion and moderate burnout, coupled with positive but improvable perceptions of safety climate, were reported. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Impacts from the research would touch every nurse working in hospitals around the cities of Damietta Governorate in Egypt, including Damietta General Hospital, Central Hospital in Faraskour, Elzarqa General Hospital, and probably other healthcare settings in the locale. It is anticipated that the results will give way to new hospital policies and practices on improving nurse safety and job satisfaction, which could lead to enhanced overall patient care.

Reporting method: The STROBE checklist was followed.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.