Factors affecting nurses' emergency competencies in public health emergency: A cross-sectional study based on the stress-coping adaptation model

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the factors associated with stress, resilience, coping styles, and emergency competencies when nurses are faced with a public health emergency.

Design: This study used a cross-sectional design.

Sample: Study data came from a survey of 646 nurses who were from a tertiary hospital in Southern China in March-June 2022.

Methods: Participants responded to self-report questionnaires through a web-based survey. Stress, resilience, emergency competencies, and response to public emergencies were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the core competencies of nurses in public health emergencies, and a simplified coping style questionnaire.

Results: A total of 646 nurses participated in this study. Slightly over half of the participants were ≤30 years old, and almost all were female. Resilience, positive coping, and negative coping were positively correlated with emergency competencies. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that resilience, working years, and participation in the treatment of infectious diseases were significant predictors of emergency competencies.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that nurses require additional training in emergency management and clinical practice to enhance their emergency competencies. More interventions and social support should be provided to improve nurses' resilience and positive coping strategies when they encounter public health emergencies.

Keywords: disaster response; global health; nursing administration; pandemic; public health nursing practice; surveys.