• Helena Miranda, Laura Punnett, Rebecca J Gore, and ProCare Research Team.
• Hum Factors. 2014 Feb 1; 56 (1): 215-27.

ObjectiveThis study examined prospectively the effect of workplace violence on musculoskeletal symptoms among nursing home workers.BackgroundPreviously we reported a cross-sectional relationship between physical assaults at work and musculoskeletal pain. This follow-up provides stronger evidence of the effect of workplace violence on musculoskeletal outcomes within the same workforce over two years.MethodNursing home workers who responded to three consecutive annual surveys formed the study cohort (n = 344). The outcomes were any musculoskeletal pain, widespread pain, pain intensity, pain interference with work and sleep, and co-occurring pain with depression. The main predictor was self-reported physical assault at work during the 3 months preceding each survey. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were assessed with log-binomial regression, adjusting for other workplace and individual factors.ResultsEvery fourth nursing home worker, and 34% of nursing aides, reported persistent workplace assault over the 2 years. Among respondents assaulted frequently, two thirds experienced moderate to extreme musculoskeletal pain, and more than 50% had pain interfering with work and/or sleep. Baseline exposure to assault predicted pain outcomes 1 year later. Repeated exposure was associated with a linear increase over 2 years in the risks of pain intensity, interference with work, and interference with sleep; co-occurring pain and depression had an adjusted PR of 3.6 (95% CI = 1.7-7.9).ConclusionWorkplace assault, especially when repeated over time, increases the risk of pain that may jeopardize workers' ability to remain employed.ApplicationMore effective assault prevention would protect and support the workforce needed to care for our increasing elderly and disabled population.

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