Stalking in nurses and other health care professionals: Prevalence, consequences, and coping strategies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze physical and psychological symptoms, anxiety and depression, and coping strategies in a group of Italian Health Care Professional who were victims of stalking. Nurses, who are primarily involved in the physical care of patients, were compared with other types of Health Care Professionals. For research purposes, we queried a database used in previous research between 2014 and 2019. This database was created in collaboration with six hospitals in the Italian territory. 1,971 health professionals between the ages of 18 and 60 who completed an anonymous questionnaire, including 265 self-identified stalking victims (116 nurses), provided the data. The results suggest that Nurses and Health Care Professionals are equally at risk of stalking, with experiences not differing significantly by role. The data collected to date suggests that Nurses are no more likely to be victims than Health Care Professional with other roles. Overall, it appears that all victims suffer from the stalking experience and have negative feelings that affect their ability to deal with the stalker. Health care organizations can assist health care professionals by offering informational courses about the phenomenon. At the same time, strategies could be offered to address potential misconduct that, if not prevented, may lead to an escalation in the number and severity of behaviors.