Determinants of Workplace Stress among Nurses of the Tamale Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: The increasing complexity of work and life has resulted in stress among all groups of workers including nurses. Though an issue of interest, there is scant research on its effects on nurses. This study was thus carried out to assess the prevalence of stress among nurses, the sources of stress and the coping mechanisms adopted to reduce stress among nurses of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). Aims, and objectives: The study assessed the prevalence and determinants of workplace stress among nurses of TTH. It also assessed the coping mechanisms nurses use to manage stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study that adopted a quantitative data collection approach using structured questionnaires was used. 260 nurses were selected from a total of 746 nurses using a simple random sampling method. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used in summarizing and presenting the findings. Chi-square tests were also used to test the associations between socio-demographic features of nurses and workplace stress. Findings: The study observed a high prevalence of workplace stress among nurses of TTH. Regarding the determinants of workplace stress, it was established that job role, demand, support and control factors had significant effects on the experience of stress among nurses. General coping mechanisms adopted by nurses included reading books, relaxing during off-work hours, taking leave of absence and spending time with family and friends. In terms of implication, the study makes significant contributions to nursing practice and hospital administration regarding effective stress management. Conclusion: This Study would contribute greatly to a policy to improve the working conditions of nurses in order to minimize stress among them. It would also help educate hospital administration on effective stress management among nurses as a whole.