Introduction:
Knowledge bout socio-demographic factors on the propensity for aggressive behaviour among patients and nurses is crucial for preventing aggression in healthcare. Ignoring or underestimating aggression can compromise the safety of medical staff. Insufficient staffing or inadequate qualifications in handling patients and their families further complicates effective interventions.

Aim:
To assess differences in propensity for aggressive behaviour in patients and the ability to suppress negative emotions in patients and nurses, divided by sociodemographic factors.

Material and methods:
The study was conducted from May to December 2019 in clinical hospitals in Rzeszów. It involved 600 patients and 320 nurses. Patients included were those who gave informed consent, spent at least one day at the Clinical Hospital (excluding the Psychiatry Clinic), were over 18 years old, and scored at least 7 points on the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS). Patients received a 30-item survey covering socio-demographic factors, reported ailments, types of healthcare services, openness, and the effectiveness of received care. Additionally, they completed the Emotion Control Scale (CECS) and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Nurses completed a 23-item questionnaire addressing socio-demographic factors and patient behaviour, and the Emotion Control Scale (CECS).

Results and conclusions:
Gender was found to significantly influence the propensity for physical aggression among patients, with men displaying higher levels (p = 0.0003*). Physical aggression varied by education level, being highest among individuals with primary education and lowest among those with higher education (p = 0.0005*). The highest level of anger suppression was observed among nurses aged 40–49 years, while the lowest was found among those aged 18–29 years.