ABSTRACT
Objective:
to analyze the presence of physical and psychological violence among health workers, identify their perpetrators and understand the origin of the aggressions.
Method:
a mixed approach study. The quantitative data were collected from a random sample of 269 professionals from the health team in a public hospital in the Southern Region of Brazil. Among these 269 professionals 20 were victims of violence and composed the qualitative step.
Results:
physical violence affected 15.2% (n=42) of the professionals and psychological violence affected 48.7% (n=135) of the workers by means of verbal aggression, 24.9% (n=69) moral harassment, 8.7% (n=24) racial discrimination and 2.5% (n=7) sexual harassment. Women were the main victims of physical violence, bullying and racial discrimination (p<0.05). Nursing technicians were the most exposed to physical violence and moral harassment (p<0.05). The patient was the main aggressor to the health team (35.4%, n=98), followed by coworkers (25.3%, n=70), management (21.7%, n=60) and companions (15.5%, n=43). Neurological diseases, alcohol and other drug abuse were related to the origin of the aggression, reasons which absolve the patients from the guilt of their violent behavior. The improper work conditions caused acts of aggression in patients and among professionals. Aspects of work organization in the public hospital were highlighted as causes for conflicts which cause violent repercussions.
Conclusions:
psychological violence was prevalent, women and nursing technicians were the most exposed and patients were the main perpetrators. Containment and prevention measures are required, as well as investments for the work organization in the hospital.
DESCRIPTORS:
Violence at work; Worker's health; Work conditions; Human resources in health; Human resources of nursing; Professional-patient relations; Health services