Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The world currently faces a dire health worker crisis, in terms of staffing shortages, burnout and attrition. This crisis has major consequences for health service access and availability globally. Rising violence and a lack of protections for health care workers (HCWs) are potential contributors to these challenges. Violence against health care workers is a growing concern and was exacerbated during the COVID-19. Threat to the lives and wellbeing of HCWs can contribute significantly to health worker shortages and low retention by affecting job motivation, absenteeism, change in profession and job satisfaction, as well as adverse effects on the physical and psychosocial health of HCWs. Although violence against HCWs in conflict settings such as war-torn countries has been studied, there is a major gap in understanding why and how emergent and life-threatening forms of violence against HCWs occur (in both workplace and non-workplace settings) in non-conflict countries such as Nigeria. We define emergent violence as forms of violence typically seen in conflict-prone countries or regions but now occurring in non-conflict settings. These emerging forms of violence against HCWs such as kidnapping, murder, and physical assault are increasingly becoming an issue of concern in Nigeria. This study investigates the causes, patterns, and solutions for these issues by involving healthcare workers, policymakers, and more. By analyzing data, reviewing documents, conducting interviews, and developing policy recommendations, the study aims to understand and combat violence against healthcare workers, benefiting their safety and well-being. This study will enhance the understanding of violence against HCWs in Nigeria and similar contexts, create a vital literature base for future research, engage policymakers and promote policy actions that will protect HCWs by decision-makers.