PERCEPTION OF VIOLENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PRIMARY EMERGENCY CARE WORKERS IN CHILE

Abstract

Objective: To examine workplace violence and associated factors among workers in primary emergency care services. Method: Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study. A census was conducted with 106 workers from primary emergency care services, who completed the Workplace Violence in the Health Sector questionnaire, validated in Chile, after providing informed consent. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 84.0% reported having experienced at least one episode of workplace violence in the past 12 months. Verbal abuse was reported by 83% of workers, 11.3% reported physical violence and mobbing, and fewer than 10% reported sexual and racial harassment. The main perpetrators were patients and patients’ relatives. Most aggressive events were not reported and/or formally notified. No statistically significant relationships were found between the studied variables and perceived workplace violence. Conclusions: Primary emergency care services are not exempt from workplace violence. It is necessary to strengthen prevention, reporting, and institutional response strategies that promote notification and support for workers.