Nurses’ Experiences of Workplace Violence in Tanzania

Sammanfattning

Abstract Background: Workplace violence in healthcare is a global concern affecting healthcare personnel across all professional groups and care settings. Nurses frequently encounter verbal threats, psychological aggression, and, less commonly, physical or sexual violence. Such incidents negatively affect staff well-being, job satisfaction, and patient safety. Organizational factors, including high workload, underreporting, and limited support, contribute to the persistence of violence and the normalization of aggressive behaviors in healthcare environments. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences of workplace violence in Tanzania, focusing on the types of violence encountered, coping strategies, and the role of organizational support in shaping perceptions of safety and resilience. Method: A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Purposive sampling recruited five registered nurses with experience of workplace violence. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania and the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Gävle. Results: Nurses experienced verbal, physical, and psychological violence, including public humiliation, from patients, relatives, and colleagues. Psychological violence and public humiliation were particularly stressful, affecting confidence, motivation, and work performance. Strategies to cope included peer support. Conclusion: Workplace violence negatively impacts nurses’ well-being and performance. Clear procedures, organizational support, and preventive measures are essential to enhance safety, and quality of care.