| Abstract: | Workplace violence is a significant yet under-addressed issue affecting healthcare
professionals, particularly Health Extension Workers (HEWs) who operate within
community settings. This study aimed to assess the forms of workplace violence, the
effects of workplace violence and the availability of reporting mechanisms among
urban health extension workers in Kolfe Keranyo Sub-City, Addis Ababa. Using a
qualitative approach with phenomenological study design. Data was collected
through in-depth interviews from five health extension workers which were selected
through purposive sampling method then data was analyzed thematically. Findings
revealed that verbal abuse, physical aggression, and psychological intimidation were
the common forms of violence, frequently perpetrated by community members,
leading to emotional exhaustion, job dissatisfaction, and fear. Despite of the finding
of such incidents, participants reported an absence of formal reporting mechanisms,
resulting in normalization of violence and reliance on peer support or silence. The
study highlights the urgent need for institutional reforms and social work advocacy to
establish protective policies, effective reporting systems, and psycho-social support
structures for front line healthcare workers |
