Citation

Kowalczuk K, Jankowiak B, Krajewska-Kułak E, Van Damme-Ostapowicz K, Kowalewska B. Int. J. Occup. Med. Environ. Health 2011; 24(3): 267-274.

Affiliation

Department of Health Sciences, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland, kkowalczuk@op.pl.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz and the Polish Association of Occupational Medicine, Publisher Walter de Gruyter)

DOI

10.2478/s13382-011-0024-0

PMID

21845523

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the level of exposure and average intensity of aggression towards particular professional groups of healthcare workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study participants (n = 1498) were employed at open and closed healthcare units within Podlaskie Voivodeship: 493 nurses, 504 midwives and 501 physicians. The MDM Questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: Aggression originating from patients was experienced by 92% of nurses, 86% of doctors, and 74% of midwives examined. Aggressive behavior of co-working physicians concerned 55% of midwives, 54% of nurses and 40% of physicians. The highest average levels of patient aggression, ranging between 2.20 and 3.31, were reported by nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses are the group most exposed to most aggression forms and sources. Physicians are least exposed to aggression, except for aggression manifested by patients.

Language: en