Violence against health workers durıng the COVID-19 pandemic in Kosovo: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Violence against healthcare professionals is a major global concern, which is worsened by public health catastrophes like the COVID-19 epidemic. Previous research has shown an increase in verbal, physical, and mental assault directed toward healthcare personnel, driven by causes such as fear, misinformation, and a lack of resources. This cross-sectional study aims to fill this gap by determining the prevalence, types, and contributing factors of violence experienced by healthcare workers in Kosovo during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study with data collected through a structured, anonymous, self-directed questionnaire, consisting of sociodemographic characteristics, and the HADS questionnaire via the online platform in Kosovo in 2020.

RESULTS

The study comprises three main parts: i) a representative sample of 1340 primary health care users aged ≥18 years (49% men; overall mean age: 50.5 ± 17.9 years; response rate: 89%), ii) a representative sample of 597 primary health care physicians (49% men; overall mean age: 46.0 ± 9.4 years; response rate: 90%), and iii) a nationwide representative sample of 100 decision-makers operating at different primary health care institutions or public health agencies in Kosovo (63% men; mean age: 47.7 ± 5.7 years). A structured self-administered questionnaire, consisting of 37 items, was utilized in the three surveys to assess violence against health workers across various domains of health care.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that healthcare workers in Kosova are experiencing violence due to COVID-19 pandemics. Given the key role of health care professionals during management of COVID-19 pandemics, interventions to address violence against health workers to the needs of Kosova healthcare professionals presents itself as an immediate need. The wellbeing of healthcare workers has been adversely affected not only by the evolving dynamics in doctor-patient relationships but also by the overall environment of insecurity. It is imperative to denounce all forms of violence, and both healthcare workers and decision-makers must collaboratively and systematically address the issue of violence.