Factors associated with workplace violence in paramedics.
BACKGROUND
The majority of research that has explored workplace violence has focused on establishing the prevalence of violence in different settings. In general, there is a paucity of research that explores factors that may predict or increase the risk of experiencing violence in the workplace.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this research was to determine predictors of violence for paramedics.


METHODS
A questionnaire was developed that focused on paramedics' experiences with six forms of violence: verbal abuse, property damage/theft, intimidation, physical abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. The questionnaire was distributed randomly to paramedics throughout rural Victoria and metropolitan South Australia, and completed and returned anonymously.


RESULTS
Predictors emerged for verbal abuse, intimidation, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse. Specifically, gender was the only predictor of intimidation, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. Paramedic qualifications, how they responded to a call-out, and hours per week in direct patient contact emerged as a predictor of verbal abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
Certain factors predict or predispose paramedics to workplace violence. The need for workplace violence education and training is imperative for the prevention of violence, as well as for its management.
Koritsas
Stella
S
Centre for Development Disability Health Victoria, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. stella.koritsas@med.monash.edu.au
Boyle
Malcolm
M
Coles
Jan
J
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D019548:Crime Victims; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016272:Occupational Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013021:South Australia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014739:Victoria; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*