The antecedents of horizontal violence among nurses: a descriptivequalitative study

Background and aim: Horizontal violence (HV), including verbal, non-verbal, and physical violence, is a serious challenge in nursing. Many different factors may put nurses at risk for HV. The aim of this study was to explore the antecedents of HV among nurses.Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was undertaken in 2022–2023. Fifteen nurses were purposively selected from five hospitals affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. In-depth semi-structured interviews were held to collect the data and the conventional content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman was used to analyze them.Findings: Data analysis led to the development of two categories, each with two subcategories. The categories were specific personality traits and violence-laden culture of nursing. The subcategories were bullying personality, oppressed personality, discriminatory and unjust behaviors of managers, and tense work atmosphere.Conclusion: Personality traits, managers’ discriminatory behaviors, and tense work atmosphere are the most important antecedents of HV among nurses. These factors can negatively affect nurses’ physical, mental, emotional, and social health, reduce their professional interest, undermine care quality, and lead to their intention to quit nursing. Nursing managers need to identify the antecedents of HV among nurses and use appropriate strategies for its effective prevention and management. Intervention for HV management should be implemented systematically and involve all healthcare workers.

The antecedents of horizontal violence among nurses: a descriptivequalitative study Keywords:

Horizontal violence , Lateral violence , Bullying , Nursing , Qualitative study , Content analysis