@article{ref1,
title="Self-reported incidents of violence towards nurses working in acute psychiatric units",
journal="Curationis",
year="2023",
author="Bekelepi, Ntombiyakhe and Martin, Penelope",
volume="46",
number="1",
pages="e1-e8",
abstract="BACKGROUND:  Acute psychiatric units are found to be stressful working environments because of the nature of illness patients present with. <br><br>OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine self-reported incidents of physical and verbal violence towards nurses working in acute psychiatric units in Western Cape, South Africa. <br><br>METHOD:  A questionnaire was used to collect data. Chi-square test was performed to determine association between gender, category and experience of violence. Mann-Whitney U test was carried out to determine associations between years of employment and the likelihood of experiencing physical violence and verbal abuse. <br><br>RESULTS:  Overall physical violence 35 (34.3%) and verbal abuse 83 (83%) incidents. Most female respondents reported both physical violence (74.2%, n = 26) and verbal abuse (72.2%, n = 60), with (56.2%, n = 18) professional nurses reporting physical violence. Years of employment was statistically significantly associated with the likelihood of nurses experiencing physical violence (p = 0.007). <br><br>CONCLUSION:  Most respondents (74.2%, n = 26) were females and they mostly experienced physical violence and verbal abuse while 28.2% (n = 29) were males. Years of service were associated with the likelihood of experiencing physical violence.Contribution: The knowledge gained will add on existing knowledge about the challenge of violence experienced by nurses in the workplace and might have an influence on policymakers.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0379-8577",
doi="10.4102/curationis.v46i1.2350",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v46i1.2350"
}