Work-related stress among nursing staff working in government hospitals and primary health care centres

Abstract

Aim: Work-related stress (WRS) in the nursing working environment is prevalent and significantly affects the performance of nurses and organizations. Poor nursing and administrative performance affects the delivery of safety and quality patient care. Thus, this study aims to compare the sources and factors of stress among nurses from hospitals and primary health care centres.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five government hospitals and four sectors of primary health care centres in Saudi Arabia. Through a survey, the Nursing Stress Scale was completed by 347 nurses from February to March 2016.

Results: Workload is perceived as the most common source of WRS, whereas inadequate preparation is regarded as the least. Other major sources are conflicts with physicians and nurses in primary centres and the lack of support and uncertainty concerning treatment in hospitals. The nurses' age, marital status, nationality, and job position are the significantly identified factors that contribute to stress.

Conclusion: Overall, the sources and factors of WRS significantly vary with nurses' working environment. Hence, understanding the perception of nurses towards their working environment can be a strategic basis in modifying policies in occupational stress management.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; hospital; nursing; primary health care; work-related stress.