The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49307

Nancy M. Nachreiner, MPH¹, Susan G. Gerberich, PhD¹, Patricia M. McGovern, PhD¹, Timothy R. Church, PhD¹, Helen E. Hansen, PhD², Mindy S. Geisser, MS³, Andrew D. Ryan, MS³, and Gavin D. Watt, BS³. (1) Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Mayo Mail Code 807, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, 612-625-2487, nachr001@umn.edu, (2) School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-107 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard St., Minneapolis, MN 55455, (3) Health Studies Section, University of Minnesota, Gateway Building Suite 350, 200 Oak St., Minneapolis, MN 55455

Violence prevention policies are often recommended as part of a comprehensive approach to deal with occupational violence; however, little empirical literature exists to support these recommendations. Phase-one of the Minnesota Nurses’ Study, a population-based survey of 6,300 Minnesota nurses (response 79%), found that 14% experienced work-related physical assault in the past year. Phase-two, a case-control (3:1) study, surveyed 1,900 nurses (response 75%) about exposures relevant to violence, including work-related violence prevention policies. In preliminary analyses, nurse respondents reported institutional written policies that, among others, addressed: prohibited types of violent behaviors (cases: 37%, controls: 53%); and zero tolerance for violence (cases: 66%, controls: 73%). A comprehensive causal model, using a directed acyclic graph served as a basis for survey design, analyses, and interpretation. Results of preliminary multivariate logistic regression analyses, controlling for the type of facility, administration attitude toward violence, department/unit, and types of patients, indicated that the odds of physical assault decreased for: having a zero tolerance policy (OR=0.5, 95% C.I. 0.3, 0.8) and having policies regarding types of prohibited violent behaviors (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.9). Thus, it appears that some work-related violence policies may be protective. This study is an important first step in determining the impact of violence prevention policies.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the magnitude of work-related physical violence among Minnesota nurses.
• Identify the potential impact of violence prevention policies on work-related physical assault against Minnesota nurses.

Keywords: Violence, Occupational Injury and Death

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.