Integrated Exploration on the Barriers to Reporting Workplace Violence Among Public Hospital Healthcare Workers in Melaka

Main Article Content

Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat
Mohammad Nafis Sahiran

Abstract

Introduction: Workplace violence (WPV) among healthcare workers (HCW) remains a significant public health concern in Malaysia. Objective: This research aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively compare the barriers to reporting of WPV among the HCWs. Materials and methods: A concurrent mixed method study design was conducted involving Malaysian HCWs in Melaka public hospitals. Respondents in the quantitative study were recruited using stratified random sampling method. Meanwhile, in-depth interviews were performed using a validated semi-structured interview protocol among HCWs who experienced WPV but chose not to report. Results:Higher likelihood to report WPVs among those with high subjective norms (AOR=2.160, p=0.002) and perceived behaviour control (PBC) (AOR=3.976, p<0.001), as well as clinical (AOR=2.679, p=0.002) and non-clinical (AOR=4.271, p<0.001) support staffs were observed. Physical and both types (physical and psychological) WPV had 13 (p<0.001), and two (p=0.018) times more likelihood to be reported compared to psychological. Meanwhile, those who perceived the WPV was done intentionally had 11 (p<0.001) times more likelihood to report WPV compared to otherwise. Perceived norms, process barriers, and attitude/ beliefs towards reporting of WPVs themes emerged in qualitative findings. Integration analysis revealed comparable results. Conclusion: Persistent barriers to the reporting of WPV among HCWs were highlighted which include perceived norms towards WPVs in the sector, the misconception that only severely inflicted violence should be reported, and PBC towards reporting WPVs. The reporting of WPVs can be improved by changing HCWs’ misperception on the norms of WPVs, the reporting system and mechanism, as well their attitude and beliefs towards reporting of WPVs.

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How to Cite
Minhat, H. S., & Sahiran, M. N. (2025). Integrated Exploration on the Barriers to Reporting Workplace Violence Among Public Hospital Healthcare Workers in Melaka. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21(1), 199–213. https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.21.1.26
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Original Articles

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