Abstract
Background: Workplace abuse against nurses is a significant occupational hazard globally, with healthcare workers facing particularly high risks due to direct patient interaction and high-stress environments. This study explored the prevalence, types and contributing factors of workplace abuse among registered nurses at Klerksdorp and Tshepong hospitals.
Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among registered nurses at two hospitals in Northwest Province, South Africa. Using simple random sampling, 112 nurses were selected from a population of 343 eligible participants. Data were collected using a validated, culturally adapted questionnaire translated into multiple local languages. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, abuse prevalence, types of abuse experienced, contributing factors and impacts on job satisfaction and well-being. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses using SPSS version 35,
Results: Of the 112 participants, 86 (76.79%) experienced low levels of abuse, while 26 (23.21%) reported high levels of abuse. Physical abuse was reported by 43.75% (n=49) and verbal abuse by 40.18% (n=45) of respondents. Professional nurse status was the most frequently cited contributor to abuse (48.65%). Multivariate analysis identified several significant predictors of abuse occurrence. Compared to nurses aged 18-24 years, those aged 25-34 had significantly lower odds of experiencing abuse (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64-0.96; p = 0.021). Regarding nursing rank, nursing specialists (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58-0.96; p = 0.023), auxiliary nurses (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.48-0.81; p < 0.001), and staff nurses (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.45-0.79; p < 0.001) had significantly lower odds of abuse compared to professional nurses. Nurses with 11-20 years of emergency department service had reduced odds of abuse (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.55-0.97; p = 0.031). Those reporting all workplace violence occurrences had lower abuse odds (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.71-0.99; p = 0.046), while nurses feeling prepared to handle aggressive behaviour had increased odds (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.06-1.75; p = 0.015). High abuse prevalence significantly impacted on job satisfaction (p = 0.004) but not retention rates or overall well-being.
Conclusion: Nearly one-quarter of nurses experienced high levels of workplace abuse, with physical and verbal abuse being predominant. Age, nursing rank, years of
v
service and reporting practices emerged as significant predictors. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive violence prevention programs, enhanced reporting systems, and targeted interventions to protect nurses and improve workplace safety in healthcare settings.