Patient and staff perception of aggression and its management in a Lebanese psychiatric hospital: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Patient aggression is influenced by a variety of internal and external factors. The purpose of the study was to investigate the staff and patients' perceptions of the causes of patients' aggression and its management.

Methods: A convenient sample of 50 employees and 150 patients was chosen. The inpatients were selected from the Psychiatric hospital of the Cross and diagnosed with various mental disorders (Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, others) according to the DSM-5-TR criteria. Two different surveys were given to both patients and employees. The perception of aggression of patients and staff was assessed using the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale.

Results: No significant association was found between the staff and patient groups in terms of perception of aggression (p > 0.05 for all). Verbal aggression was found to be the most prevalent type of aggressive behavior experienced by staff (92%). In addition, the staff perceived patient aggression as being insulting and disrespectful. Also, staff's gender influenced their perspective toward the patient's aggressive behavior. Among the patient group, a university education level (Standardized Beta β = -0.24) and aggressiveness (β = -0.29) influenced how patients perceived aggression.

Conclusion: Results showed that patients and staff generally agree and share the same perspective regarding aggression and its management in the psychiatric hospital.