Factors associated with occurrence of workplace violence against healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a meta-analysis

Objectives. Healthcare systems all over the world are increasingly alarmed by the prevalence of workplace violence (WPV) directed at healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the aim of the current review was to investigate the factors associated with WPV against HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This study was conducted in December 2021. Four international databases along with two Iranian databases were searched. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement served as the foundation for the reporting procedure. Results. A total of 13 articles were included in the analysis. Results showed that females are less at risk of WPV (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.67, 0.84], p = 0.000 based on a fixed-effects model). Moreover, significant association was found between education level (OR 1.09, 95% CI [1.05, 1.14]), age (correlation = 0.025, 95% CI [0.014, 0.036]) and work experience (correlation = 0.028, 95% CI [0.016, 0.016]) and WPV. Conclusion. The primary factors linked to WPV exposure were found to be gender, education level, age and work experience. Additional research is necessary to provide more accurate and detailed data.