Aggression: Health Security Risk Assessment, Prevention Strategies, and Incident Response in Healthcare and Community Settings
Abstract
Background: Aggression and violence in healthcare and community settings pose significant health security risks, impacting patient safety, staff wellbeing, and continuity of care. These behaviors often arise from complex interactions among biological, psychological, and social determinants.
Aim: To examine aggression as a multidimensional phenomenon, outline its etiologies, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and propose evidence-based strategies for assessment, prevention, and management.
Methods: A comprehensive review of clinical frameworks, epidemiologic data, and operational protocols was conducted, integrating psychiatric, neurologic, and sociocultural perspectives. The analysis emphasizes structured risk assessment, mental status examination, and interdisciplinary management approaches.
Results: Aggression is frequently linked to psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder), substance intoxication or withdrawal, neurocognitive decline, and environmental stressors. U.S. data indicate persistent violence burden, with over 1.2 million violent crimes annually and high firearm involvement. Neurobiological findings highlight dysregulation in prefrontal-limbic circuits, serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways, and hormonal influences. Effective management combines early recognition, de-escalation, pharmacologic intervention when indicated, and environmental modifications. Interprofessional collaboration and structured safety protocols significantly reduce escalation and improve outcomes.
Conclusion: Aggression is not a singular entity but a transdiagnostic risk state requiring integrated medical, psychiatric, and social interventions. Prevention and treatment strategies must prioritize dynamic risk factors, continuity of care, and staff training to mitigate harm and enhance safety culture.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Yahya Idris Nasser Qadh, Salman Fahad Alsharif, Ali Abdullah Aljameeli, Bader Eid Mohammed Aleutayaybi, Badriah Sapeel Alrashidi, Huda Sapeel Alrashidi, Bander Sapeel Alrashidi, Susan Abdulaziz Al-Rafdan, Saleh Khaled Suleiman Al-Habib, Anwar Nawaf Alrashidi, Rawan Oqab Ghazi Bin Omirah, Khalid Thamer Alruqi
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