Asian Nurs Res.  2015 Sep;9(3):213-218. 10.1016/j.anr.2015.03.003.

Awareness and Attitudes Towards Violence and Abuse among Emergency Nurses

• Cho OH
• Cha KS
• Yoo YS

• KMID: 2344319
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.anr.2015.03.003

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study identifies degree of awareness and legal knowledge about overall abuse and violence, and investigates attitudes towards domestic violence in emergency nurses.
METHODS
The data collection period was between August and December 2012 for 131 nurses who worked in the emergency center of five hospitals in South Korea. This study surveyed emergency nurses about the recognition of abuse and violence, the legal knowledge of abuse and violence, and the attitudes towards domestic violence.
RESULTS
This study showed that approximately 60.0% of participants experienced incidents of suspected abuse or violence, but the reporting rates were low. Of all the participants, 70.2% knew that they must report the discovery of abuse or violent incidents, but 45.0% did not know that if someone who had duty to report but did not report that he/she had a legal responsibility. Most emergency nurses agreed that "even if the domestic violence is severe it should not be suggested to victims that they run away, leaving children at home", and "perpetrators are patients who need treatment."
CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate awareness about abuse and violence, and systematic education are required for emergency nurses so that they can provide appropriate interventions.

Keyword

attitude; awareness; emergency nursing; violence

MeSH Terms

Adult
*Attitude of Health Personnel
*Domestic Violence
Emergency Nursing
Emergency Service, Hospital
Female
*Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Nurses/*psychology
Nursing Staff, Hospital/*psychology
Republic of Korea
Young Adult