بكالوريوس / Bachelor's

Title Prevalence and Associated Factors of Workplace Violence Among Healthcare Workers in Public Hospitals in Dongola, Northern State, Sudan, 2026 1. Background of the Study Workplace violence (WPV) is a major occupational health and safety problem affecting healthcare workers worldwide. It includes verbal abuse, physical violence, threats, bullying, psychological aggression, and sexual harassment. Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to workplace violence because of frequent interactions with patients and their relatives, high workloads, long waiting times, overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and limited resources. Previous studies conducted globally, in Africa, and in Sudan have demonstrated that workplace violence affects a substantial proportion of healthcare workers. Such violence can negatively affect their physical and psychological well-being, job satisfaction, work performance, and quality of patient care. 2. Problem Statement Despite the growing recognition of workplace violence as a serious occupational health problem, limited published evidence is available regarding its prevalence and associated factors among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Dongola, Northern State, Sudan. The lack of local data makes it difficult for hospital administrators and health authorities to understand the magnitude of the problem, identify contributing factors, and develop effective prevention strategies. Therefore, this study will investigate workplace violence among healthcare workers in selected public hospitals in Dongola to provide evidence that may support appropriate preventive interventions. 3. Research Gap Previous studies have investigated workplace violence in different countries and some regions of Sudan. However, the available evidence is limited regarding healthcare workers in public hospitals in Dongola, particularly concerning the prevalence, forms, perpetrators, associated factors, reporting practices, and consequences of workplace violence. This study aims to address this geographical and contextual gap by generating local evidence on workplace violence among healthcare workers in the selected hospitals. 4. Justification of the Study Healthcare workers are essential to the effective functioning of the healthcare system. Protecting them from workplace violence is important for maintaining their physical and psychological well-being and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services. The findings of this study may help hospital administrators identify workplace safety challenges, assist the Northern State Ministry of Health in developing appropriate policies, strengthen violence reporting mechanisms, and guide future research. Furthermore, the study will contribute to the limited body of evidence regarding workplace violence in Northern State, Sudan. 5. General Objective To determine the prevalence and associated factors of workplace violence among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Dongola, Northern State, Sudan, in 2026. 6. Specific Objectives To determine the prevalence of workplace violence among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Dongola. To identify the common forms, perpetrators, and circumstances of workplace violence. To assess the sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with workplace violence. To describe workplace violence reporting practices and selected consequences of exposure. 7. Research Questions What is the prevalence of workplace violence among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Dongola? What are the common forms of workplace violence, who are the perpetrators, and under what circumstances do incidents occur? Which sociodemographic and occupational factors are associated with workplace violence? What are the reporting practices and selected consequences of workplace violence among healthcare workers? 8. Research Hypotheses Null Hypothesis (H₀): There is no statistically significant association between sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and workplace violence among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Dongola. Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): There is a statistically significant association between at least one sociodemographic or occupational characteristic and workplace violence among healthcare workers in public hospitals in Dongola. 9. Study Design and Setting An institution-based analytical cross-sectional study will be conducted in two public hospitals in Dongola, Northern State, Sudan: Dongola Specialized Hospital. Dongola Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. The study will be conducted during 2026, subject to the approved study schedule. 10. Study Population The study population will consist of eligible healthcare workers employed in the selected hospitals during the study period. Participants will be required to have worked in the hospital for at least three months, be available during data collection, and provide informed consent. Healthcare workers who are on leave during data collection or who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be included. 11. Sample Size and Sampling Technique The estimated sample size is 287 participants, including an allowance for a 10% non-response rate. The initial sample size will be calculated using the single population proportion formula, based on a previously reported workplace violence prevalence of 78.3%, a 95% confidence level, and a 5% margin of error. Stratified random sampling will be used to ensure appropriate representation of different professional categories. The sample will be proportionally allocated according to the number of eligible healthcare workers in each stratum. 12. Data Collection Methods Data will be collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from relevant workplace violence assessment literature and appropriate international guidance. The questionnaire will include the following sections: Sociodemographic characteristics. Occupational characteristics and working conditions. Experience of workplace violence during the previous 12 months. Forms of violence, perpetrators, and circumstances of incidents. Reporting practices and barriers to reporting. Selected psychological and occupational consequences. Participation will be voluntary, and confidentiality will be maintained throughout the study. 13. Study Variables Dependent Variable: Exposure to workplace violence during the previous 12 months, classified as yes or no according to the study's operational definition. Independent Variables: Age. Sex. Marital status. Educational level. Professional category. Department or unit. Years of professional experience. Working hours. Shift pattern. Perceived workload. Availability of security personnel. Availability of workplace violence policies. Availability of formal reporting mechanisms. 14. Data Analysis Data will be entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, will be used as appropriate to summarize the study variables. The chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test when appropriate, will be used to examine associations between categorical variables. Binary logistic regression will be used to investigate factors associated with workplace violence. Results will be presented using crude odds ratios (COR), adjusted odds ratios (AOR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05. 15. Ethical Considerations Ethical approval will be obtained from the relevant research ethics committee before data collection begins. Permission will also be sought from the Northern State Ministry of Health and the participating hospitals. Written informed consent will be obtained from participants. Participation will be voluntary, and confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained. Participants will be informed of their right to decline participation or withdraw according to the approved consent procedures. 16. Expected Outcomes The study is expected to: Estimate the prevalence of workplace violence among healthcare workers in the selected hospitals. Identify the most common forms and perpetrators of workplace violence. Examine sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with exposure. Describe workplace violence reporting practices and barriers to reporting. Assess selected psychological and occupational consequences reported by participants. Provide local evidence to support the development of workplace safety interventions and institutional policies. These are expected outcomes; the actual findings will be determined after data collection and statistical analysis. 17. Significance of the Study This study may contribute to improving the understanding of workplace violence in public hospitals in Dongola. The findings may benefit hospital administrators by identifying workplace safety challenges, assist health authorities in developing evidence-based policies, and support the establishment of effective reporting and response mechanisms. The study may also provide a foundation for future research and contribute to efforts aimed at protecting healthcare workers and improving the quality of healthcare services. 18. Conclusion Workplace violence is an important occupational health concern that can affect healthcare workers' safety, well-being, and professional performance. Although previous studies have documented a substantial burden of workplace violence globally, in Africa, and in Sudan, further local evidence is needed to understand the problem in Dongola. This analytical cross-sectional study will assess the prevalence, forms, perpetrators, and associated factors of workplace violence among healthcare workers in two public hospitals in Dongola. By generating local evidence, the study aims to support the development of appropriate preventive strategies, strengthen institutional responses, and promote a safer working environment for healthcare workers.

Ethical approval and official permissions will be obtained before data collection. Informed consent will be obtained, and participation will be voluntary. Anonymity and confidentiality will be maintained by not collecting participants’ names or identification numbers. Data will be stored securely and used only for research purposes. Participants may withdraw at any time without penalty or any effect on their employment.

No significant risks are expected

the study may help identify the prevalence and factors associated with workplace violence and provide evidence to improve healthcare workers safety and working conditions in public hospitals in Dongola.