Workplace violence against healthcare professionals in Morocco.

Background: Violence in hospitals is a significant problem and it has a negative impact on healthcare professionals.

Aims: We sought to identify the occurrence, characteristics and consequences of violence against healthcare professional in Morocco and propose preventive measures.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 among medical and paramedical healthcare professionals at a 1548-bed Moroccan university hospital that comprises 5 hospitals. Interviews were conducted using an anonymous, structured and self-administered questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS version 10.0.

Results: Our study included 480 health workers, 61% were women and 61% were paramedics. Their mean age was 29.6 ±5 years and the median professional experience was 3 years. The average frequency of violence was 76% (95% CI: 72-79); verbal violence was 99%, psychological violence 34%, and physical violence 21%. More women (62%) experienced violence than men and more paramedics (83%) than medics. The perpetrators of this violence were mostly (77%) family members of the patients. The workers estimated underreporting of violence at 38%.

Conclusion: Healthcare professionals are frequently exposed to violence. Reporting of such violence should be encouraged to enhance prevention and proper management by health workers and the responsible authorities.