Abstract
Objectives: Workplace violence (WPV) is a growing occupational health concern, with healthcare workers (HCWs) particularly at risk. While high rates of WPV towards HCWs have been reported in emergency and psychiatry settings in Oman, little is known about its prevalence in primary care. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of WPV towards HCWs in primary care settings in Muscat, Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2024 in Muscat's primary health centres using the validated Workplace Violence in the Health Sector Country Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (Chi-square and logistic regression) were used to assess prevalence and associated factors of WPV. Results: A total of 218 participants were included (response rate = 74.7%). The overall prevalence of WPV was 64.2% (95% confidence interval: 57.8–70.6%) with verbal abuse and bullying/mobbing being the most common forms. Victims were most often nurses, followed by physicians, while patients were the primary perpetrators. Significant associations were found between violence type and perpetrator identity, victim response, perceived preventability and reasons for not reporting. Despite existing policies, many participants lacked training or awareness of reporting procedures. Most incidents were not investigated and had no consequences for the perpetrators. Conclusion: WPV is a major issue for primary HCWs in Muscat, Oman. Gaps in awareness, training and institutional response highlight the need for stronger prevention, accountability and support measures to protect HCWs and ensure quality patient care.
Publication details
- DOI
- 10.18295/2075-0528.2975
- Journal
- Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 26(1), 212-220
- Publisher
- Sultan Qaboos University
- Open access
- Gold open access
- License
- CC BY-ND 4.0
Cite this article
APA 7
AlZeedi, M. A. A., Al Maamari, B. H., AlGhammari, K. S., Al Mufarrji, A. R., Al Hasni, N. S., & Al Shuhaimi, R. Y. (2026). Prevalence and Characteristics of Workplace Violence Towards Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings in Muscat, Oman. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 26(1), 212-220. https://doi.org/10.18295/2075-0528.2975
MLA 9
AlZeedi, Manar AlSanaa Ali, et al. "Prevalence and Characteristics of Workplace Violence Towards Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings in Muscat, Oman." Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, vol. 26, no. 1, 2026, pp. 212-220. https://doi.org/10.18295/2075-0528.2975.
Chicago (author–date)
AlZeedi, Manar AlSanaa Ali, Bishara Hamed Al Maamari, Khadija Saleh AlGhammari, Aisha Rashid Al Mufarrji, Nahid Saif Al Hasni, and Rahma Yaqoob Al Shuhaimi. 2026. "Prevalence and Characteristics of Workplace Violence Towards Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings in Muscat, Oman." Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal 26 (1): 212-220. https://doi.org/10.18295/2075-0528.2975.
Harvard
AlZeedi, M. A. A., Al Maamari, B. H., AlGhammari, K. S., Al Mufarrji, A. R., Al Hasni, N. S. and Al Shuhaimi, R. Y. (2026) 'Prevalence and Characteristics of Workplace Violence Towards Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings in Muscat, Oman', Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 26(1), pp. 212-220. doi:10.18295/2075-0528.2975.
Vancouver
AlZeedi MAA, Al Maamari BH, AlGhammari KS, Al Mufarrji AR, Al Hasni NS, Al Shuhaimi RY. Prevalence and Characteristics of Workplace Violence Towards Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings in Muscat, Oman. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal. 2026;26(1):212-220. doi:10.18295/2075-0528.2975
IEEE
M. A. A. AlZeedi, B. H. Al Maamari, K. S. AlGhammari, A. R. Al Mufarrji, N. S. Al Hasni, and R. Y. Al Shuhaimi, "Prevalence and Characteristics of Workplace Violence Towards Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings in Muscat, Oman," Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 212-220, 2026, doi: 10.18295/2075-0528.2975.