Understanding and Improving Workplace Violence Prevention Practices among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Private College, Malaysia.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70672/670xzr22Keywords:
Workplace violence, Nursing education, Perception and practice, Violence prevention, Clinical trainingAbstract
Background: Workplace violence (WPV) is a growing concern in healthcare settings, with nursing students at heightened risk due to their frontline roles during clinical placements. Although several studies have explored WPV among healthcare workers, research focusing on prevention practices among nursing students in Malaysia remains limited. This study aimed to assess nursing students’ perception and practice of WPV prevention and identify associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 245 nursing students enrolled at a private nursing college in Perak, Malaysia. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire assessing WPV perception and practice across multiple domains. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using chi-square tests and logistic regression to determine predictors of good perception and practice. Results: Most participants demonstrated moderate perception and high practice of WPV prevention. Binary logistic regression revealed that bachelor-level students (aOR = 114.5, p = 0.03) and those with ≥ 6 months of clinical experience (aOR = 1.89, p = 0.046) were more likely to exhibit good perception towards WPV prevention. Multinomial regression confirmed these associations, indicating that educational level and clinical experience independently predicted good perception. No significant predictors were found for practice outcomes. Conclusion: Academic preparation and clinical exposure play crucial roles in shaping nursing students’ perception of WPV prevention. Integrating structured WPV prevention training into the nursing curriculum and strengthening institutional support mechanisms are essential to enhance awareness, preparedness, and safety culture among future nurses.
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