LAUSR

Introduction Violence in therapeutic centers, especially psychiatric wards is much higher than other units. In healthcare provider groups, nurses are at high risk of patient's aggression in the workplace. Aims The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of violence on the health of nurses in Razi Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Method In this cross-sectional study a total of 312 nurses working in psychiatric hospitals completed a GHQ28 questionnaire. Results The results demonstrated that there is a statistical significant correlation between violence of patients (including physical violence and disrespect) to physical symptoms, anxiety and sleep disorder in nurses (P < 0.05). Also, increased frequency of disrespect by family of patient correlated to higher physical symptoms, anxiety, and sleep disorder in nurses. However, there was not any significant correlation between symptoms of depression, social function with aggressive patients. Conclusion Patients and their relative's violence affect the health of nurses. Therefore, it is necessary the therapeutic interventions for the prevention of physical and mental diseases in nurses and decreased desire to leave the organization. Disclosure of interest The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.