AGGRESSION AGAINST NURSING PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Introduction: Industrialization of the world and lack of patient physician/health worker interrelationship has caused aggressive behavior to nurses and health professionals. Nurses are first line cares for the patients and often are observers of such behaviors. These behaviors can be in the form of verbal or physical abuse. The latter has affected work satisfaction and can influence nursing safety during duty.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with filling of questionnaires by nurses forming committees and by protocol proposed by the WHO. All nurses (21 individuals) on all wards who agreed to participate in group discussions were included over period of 3 months July-September 2010. Demographic information on aggressors, nursing units most affected was also collected. Information was entered into computer and analyzed using SPSS 16 medical software.

Results: Agression against nurses come in verbal and physical forms, disrupt work security and environment (68% time) and quality of care (84% of time).

Discussion: Aggressive behavior not only influences workplace safety and functioning but is also disrespect to what we as humans take pride in ourselves social and cooperative beings.