Workplace Violence and Job Satisfaction Among Female Nurses: A Sociological Study of Public and Private Hospitals in District Peshawar

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of workplace violence and its impact on job satisfaction among female nurses in three major public hospitals in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Lady Reading Hospital, Khyber Teaching Hospital, and Hayatabad Medical Complex. Utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative design, a sample of 232 female nurses was selected through multistage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed through univariate and bivariate statistical techniques using SPSS. The findings reveal that workplace violence is a significant concern in the selected hospitals. Among the respondents, 38.1% reported experiencing physical violence, 38.1% reported verbal abuse, and 36.0% acknowledged facing sexual harassment from hospital administration, while 38.1% reported harassment from patients or their attendants. Additionally, 41.9% of nurses perceived night shifts as being particularly vulnerable to workplace violence, and 38.9% agreed that less experienced nurses are more at risk. These experiences have contributed to a visible decline in job satisfaction levels. Bivariate analysis indicated a statistically significant negative association between workplace violence and job satisfaction (p < 0.05). Nurses who reported frequent exposure to violence showed markedly lower levels of professional satisfaction, emotional well-being, and motivation, which may have broader implications for patient care and staff retention. The study recommends full implementation of laws against workplace violence, especially against women, with zero percent tolerance. Besides gender-sensitive grievance redressal systems and staff training in conflict resolution and workplace safety.