Workplace violence and associated factors against nurses working in public hospitals in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The issue of workplace violence (WPV) directed at nurses is a chronic and global public health concern. Numerous studies on workplace violence in Ethiopia have been conducted; however, the results have been inconsistent. The review aims to identify the pooled prevalence and associated factors of workplace violence against nurses.

Methods: A systematic and methodical literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as Google Scholar, EMBASE I, Scopus, PubMed, HINAR, the Web of Science, and the African Journal Online (AJOL). Each original study's efficacy and quality were assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) technique designed for cross-sectional research. The Cochrane Q and I2 test statistics were used to verify the heterogeneity of the studies. Using a random effect model, the pooled estimate of workplace violence among nurses was calculated.

Result: The pooled estimate of workplace violence among nurses in Ethiopia was 39.43% (95% CI: 27.63, 51.23). Female nurse (POR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.29, 3.92), short work experience (POR = 3.25; 95% CI: 2.37, 4.45), and living without a spouse (POR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.99) were identified factors associated with workplace violence.

Conclusion: This study found that about two-fifths of nurses encounter workplace violence. According to this study, there was a significant association between work place violence among Nurses and being female, having less job experience, and being single. To address this issue, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), policymakers, and other stakeholders should prioritize interventions aimed at reducing workplace violence.