Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117079

Pamela Levin, PhD, RN and Suzanne Perraud, PhD, RN. Dept. of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina St., Suite 1080, Chicago, IL 60612, 312.942.8842, Pamela_F_Levin@rush.edu

Over 40% of the lost workdays associated with workplace violence occur in healthcare facilities. Nurses, the largest occupational group within healthcare, are at high risk for harassment, threats and assaults, which may result in physical and psychological injuries. The purposes of this pilot study are to (1) determine the response rate and (2) estimate reliabilities for a questionnaire about workplace harassment/assault. Using a cross-sectional survey approach, the sample consists of respondents to a mailed questionnaire based on a stratified random sample of nurses (n = 100) who work and reside in three geographical areas across Illinois (urban, rural, suburban). As Illinois registered nurses are representative of the nation, Illinois serves as a “bell weather” state. The questionnaire addresses: worker risk and vulnerability (safety attitude, work/personal history, neuroticism), workplace risks (work context, job demands, safety climate), community setting risks (safety, location), type/ source/ level of intent of workplace harassment/assault, level of distress (mental, physical, social), coping activities (social support, use of services), workplace consequences (absenteeism, productivity, commitment, use of alcohol and other substances). Survey approaches include three mailings of the questionnaire, along with a reminder postcard and an incentive. Descriptive statistics, alpha coefficients, response rate, and reasons for nonparticipation will be reported. Implications for practice and future research will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize issues related to workplace harassment of nurses
• Identify design and measurement issues related workplace violence research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.