Abstract:
Workplace bullying (WPB) is a multi-dimensional concept characterized by a
constellation of actions taken and those not taken in workplaces and include but
not limited to hostile remarks, spreading of rumours and intimidation. Nursing
is a caring profession where effective communication, interpersonal
relationships and teamwork are essential. However, over the years, bullying
among nurses has become endemic and presents serious safety and health
hazards which can result in physical and psychological difficulties for victims.
This compromises the quality of care, patient safety and the wellbeing of the
nurses, yet there is paucity of research on the subject in Ghana. The purpose of
this study was to determine the prevalence of WPB among nurses in the UWR
of Ghana using a cross-sectional design. Three hundred and twenty-three (323)
nurses were recruited using a multistage sampling technique and data collected
through a self-administered questionnaire with a 98.5% (N=318) response rate.
Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. The results indicate a high
prevalence of WPB among this study group. Eighty percent (80%; n=252) and
54.6% (n=172) were classified as being bullied over a six-month period by the
operational and self-labelling methods respectively. WPB was also found to
have strong positive linear relationships with both intentions to quit (r=0.487;
N=315, p<0.001), and depression among the nurses (r=0.559; N=315; p<0.001).
The results further indicate that WPB occurs irrespective of the nurses’ gender
or professional nursing background. WPB is a common phenomenon in this
study area. Hence, all stakeholders should institute measures aimed at reducing
its incidence and mitigating against its consequences on nurses and other
employees.
