VIOLENCE IN THE NURSING PROFESSION - OCCUPATIONAL AND LIFE-STYLE RISK-FACTORS IN SWEDISH NURSES

In a national study of the work environment, physical, and mental well -being of more than 2600 Swedish nurses, 30% reported having experienc ed violence at work. Possible association between violence and a range of occupational, demographic, and lifestyle characteristics were stud ied. Stepwise multiple linear and logistic regressions were used to fu rther examine risk factors for violence. Occupational factors with sig nificant correlations to workplace violence were nursing discipline (t ype of ward or facility), years of work experience, supervisory respon sibilities, night work, work dissatisfaction, work-related musculoskel etal injury, and frequency of patient handling. Demographic/lifestyle factors related to violence were age, gender, smoking, coffee consumpt ion at work, and use of alcohol to relax after work. The best fit line ar regression model explained 17% of the variance in violence, 13% of the variance in threat of violence. The logistic regression model conf irmed an increased risk of violence and threats in psychiatric and ger iatric settings. However, much remains unexplained about the aetiology of violence in health care settings. This report provides the basis f or a pilot intervention study currently in progress.