BACKGROUND: While violence can adversely affect mental health of victims, repercussions of violence against workers is not as well characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored relationships between workplace violent events perpetrated by patients or visitors (Type II) against hospital employees and the employee use of psychotropic medications or mental health services using a data system that linked violent events with health claims. RESULTS: Significant associations were observed between reported Type II workplace violent events and employee prescription claims for anti-depressants and anxiolytics combined (RR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.01-2.33) and anti-depressants alone (RR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.10-2.48). No significant association between reported violent events and health claims for treatment of depression or anxiety was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Type II violence experienced by hospital workers may lead to increased use of psychotropic drugs, particularly anti-depressants but also anxiolytics. Our results suggest an important role of employee assistance programs in mitigating the psychological consequences of workplace violent events.
BACKGROUND: While violence can adversely affect mental health of victims, repercussions of violence against workers is not as well characterized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored relationships between workplace violent events perpetrated by patients or visitors (Type II) against hospital employees and the employee use of psychotropic medications or mental health services using a data system that linked violent events with health claims. RESULTS: Significant associations were observed between reported Type II workplace violent events and employee prescription claims for anti-depressants and anxiolytics combined (RR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.01-2.33) and anti-depressants alone (RR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.10-2.48). No significant association between reported violent events and health claims for treatment of depression or anxiety was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Type II violence experienced by hospital workers may lead to increased use of psychotropic drugs, particularly anti-depressants but also anxiolytics. Our results suggest an important role of employee assistance programs in mitigating the psychological consequences of workplace violent events.
Authors: Sigurd Mikkelsen; David Coggon; Johan Hviid Andersen; Patricia Casey; Esben Meulengracht Flachs; Henrik Albert Kolstad; Ole Mors; Jens Peter Bonde Journal: Eur J Epidemiol Date: 2021-02-12 Impact factor: 8.082
Authors: Hsiu-Fen Hsieh; I-Chin Huang; Yi Liu; Wen-Ling Chen; Yi-Wen Lee; Hsin-Tien Hsu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-04-22 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Laura A Rudkjoebing; Åse Marie Hansen; Reiner Rugulies; Henrik Kolstad; Jens Peter Bonde Journal: Scand J Work Environ Health Date: 2021-09-03 Impact factor: 5.024