Awareness And Knowledge Of The Kerala Healthcare Service Persons And Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention Of Violence And Damage To Property) Amendment Act, 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Medical Students in South Kerala

IntroductionIncreasing episodes of violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) are of growing global concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 8% - 38% of HCWs having experienced physical violence at least once in their lifetime. Healthcare settings are recognized as high-risk workplaces by the WHO. In response to widespread protests against the murder of a house surgeon at the Kottarakara Taluk Hospital in 2023, the government of Kerala strengthened the 2012 legislation with the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons, and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property Amendment Act, 2023. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge about the Prevention of Violence and Damage Amendment Act, 2023 among medical students and evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on them. MethodologyBaseline awareness and knowledge about the Act was assessed using a validated online questionnaire followed by an awareness session highlighting key provisions, legal implications, and protective measures under the Act. (Intervention). Post-class knowledge and awareness were reassessed. ResultsAfter the intervention, 87.3% of participants demonstrated good knowledge, 6.9% moderate and 5.7% poor knowledge of the Act. ConclusionThe study highlights the effectiveness of awareness classes as educational interventions in improving medical students knowledge of legislation that directly impacts them. Such initiatives prepare them to address future workplace challenges and foster safer healthcare environments.