[Aggressions toward health care workers (HCW) are a rather common event].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to explore the nature and causes of aggressions and to identify possible solutions to support HCWs.


METHODS
An open and closed questions questionnaire was distributed to the 5337 HCWs (nurses, doctors, nurses aids, technicians) of a large Italian hospital.


RESULTS
Only 467 useful questionnaires were returned (8.6%); 37.2% of respondents experienced one or more aggressions, mostly verbal (59.2%) and physical and verbal (16.7%). Nurses and doctors were more exposed to aggressions and the main aggressors were patients and their relatives. Younger people are at higher risk. Half of the victims report consequences on private and working life.


CONCLUSIONS
As recommended by the Health Ministry, preventive measures should be adopted and the HCWs' ability to deal with conflicts should be reinforced.
Azienda Ospedaliera S. Giovanni Battista, Torino.
Rosanna
R
Cerri
Mario
M
Caserta
Marco
M
Grosso
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*