The Impact of Workplace Violence on Nursing Staff's Physical and Mental Health: A Cross‐Sectional Survey at a Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT Aims To assess the current situation of nursing staff exposed to workplace violence in a teaching hospital in China, and analyze the relationship between workplace violence and their physical and mental health status, aiming to establish a foundation for enhancing the working conditions for nursing staff. Design Cross‐sectional study. Methods In 2024, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted at a teaching hospital in Hubei Province, China, involving 3681 nursing staff. Assessments included workplace violence experiences and health outcomes using validated scales such as the Depression Screening Scale, Anxiety Disorder Screening Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale, and Self‐rating Symptom Scale. Statistical analyses incorporated propensity score matching and logistic regression. Results Among the 3681 nursing staff surveyed, 33.4% (1228) reported experiencing workplace violence. Moreover, 53.6% (1974) reported symptoms of mild to severe depression, and 34.5% (1270) reported symptoms of mild to severe anxiety. Commonly reported physical health conditions included peptic ulcers (6.8%, 250), autoimmune diseases (6.6%, 241), hypertension (3.0%, 112), malignant tumors (2.0%, 73), and diabetes (1.5%, 54). Workplace violence exposure showed significant associations with gender, weekly working hours, professional roles, living situations, and alcohol consumption. Conclusions Workplace violence significantly increases the risk of both physical and psychological health problems among nursing staff. Relevant authorities should implement proactive prevention strategies to reduce the occurrence of workplace violence and thereby mitigate its associated adverse outcomes, including anxiety, depression, elevated stress levels, and chronic physical conditions. Impact This study found a high prevalence of workplace violence (33.4%) among nursing staff, linked to physical and mental health impairments. Screening for vulnerabilities and providing tailored psychological support can enhance resilience, reducing the frequency of violence and its detrimental impacts on staff well‐being. Reporting Method This study adhered to the STROBE checklist for observational studies. Patient or Public Contribution This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting. The contribution of patients/members of the public was limited solely to data collection.