Prevalence of Bullying and Workplace Violence Against Nurses in Adult Health Units: Its Impact on the Mental Health and Job Productivity of Nurses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64397/nepj.v01i01.2025.a01Keywords:
adult health units, bullying, workplace violence, mental health, job productivityAbstract
Introduction: This study seeks to investigate incidence rates of bullying as well as violence within designated adult health units while investigating correlated changes in mental health sequelae alongside productivity parameters.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlational approach among 121 nurses practicing in adult health units located in Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines. Respondents were recruited through a convenience sampling method. Data collection was conducted utilizing three validated instruments: a 6-item adapted WHO/ILO/ICN/PSI questionnaire on workplace aggression, a 7-item adapted DASS-21 for mental health evaluation, and the NWFQ regarding productivity at work. The analysis involved computation of descriptive data, Chi-square tests, Spearman Rho correlation, and regression analysis on Jamovi Software for multivariable assessments between examined factors. Data collection was carried out over a six-week period from March to April 2025.
Results: Despite a “Very Low” reported prevalence of workplace aggression (overall mean occurrence = 1.46, severity = 1.42), it had a statistically significant negative impact (p = 0.017) on nurses' mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). Patients were the primary source of aggression (mean occurrence = 1.99), highlighting a critical issue. While overall mental distress is “Normal,” a “Low” score for “thinking about quitting because of stress/bullying” suggests underlying dissatisfaction. Crucially, workplace bullying and violence had a statistically significant negative effect on nurses' job productivity (β = -0.279, p = 0.032), and specifically, stress is significantly associated with lower job productivity (p = 0.009).
Conclusion: Nurses reported “Very Low” levels of workplace aggression, particularly verbal abuse with patients as the primary perpetrators; even this minimal exposure significantly impacted their mental health (depression, anxiety, stress). Despite generally “Normal” mental distress, nurses frequently considered quitting due to workplace issues. Critically, overall “High” job productivity was negatively affected by workplace bullying and violence, with stress specifically linked to reduced productivity, suggesting an immediate detrimental influence on performance.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Maureen L. Desquitado, MSN, RN (Author)
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