Publication: Assessing Risks of and Predicting Work-Related Stress Among Nurses in a Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IMU University
Abstract
Background: Work-related stress is a significant issue among nurses globally, impacting their well-being and the quality of healthcare services. This study focuses on assessing the risks of work-related stress among nurses at King Fahad Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. King Fahad Hospital was chosen for its status as one of the largest and busiest tertiary care hospitals in the region, representing the high-pressure healthcare environments typical of many Saudi hospitals, which are known to contribute to nurse stress due to heavy patient loads and long working hours.
Objective: The primary objectives of this research were to estimate the risks of work-related stress hazards, explore the differences between demographics and workplace characteristics, and identify predictors of work-related stress among the nursing staff at King Fahad Hospital.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 262 registered nurses from non-critical wards at King Fahad Hospital. Data were collected using the Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool (HSE-IT), which measures potential stress hazards across seven dimensions: demands, control, manager support, peer support, relationships, role, and change. Statistical analyses, including the Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS to identify significant differences and predictors of work-related stress
Results: The study revealed high levels of work-related stress among the nurses, with the highest risk factors being demand (Mean = 3.2, SD = 0.5) and role clarity (Mean = 3.7, SD = 0.8). Logistic regression analysis identified several significant predictors of work-related stress. Male nurses were 3.02 times more likely to experience stress related to job demands compared to female nurses (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.55–5.87, p = 0.001). Younger nurses (≤30 years) had 2.38 times higher odds of experiencing stress from job demands compared to older nurses (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.28–4.43, p = 0.006). Additionally, nurses with higher educational attainment (undergraduate or above) were 2.21 times more likely to report stress due to lack of job control compared to those with a diploma (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.14–4.27, p = 0.019). Nurses working longer hours (48 hours per week) had 3.14 times higher odds of experiencing stress related to peer support (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.68–5.87, p < 0.05), and shift workers were 5.17 times more likely to experience stress compared to those working fixed hours (AOR = 5.17, 95% CI: 2.14–10.82, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that targeted interventions are needed to support younger nurses, male nurses, and those working longer hours or shifts.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate work-related stress among nurses at King Fahad Hospital. Broader implications extend beyond this hospital, as the challenges faced by nurses in Saudi Arabia are reflective of similar issues in other high-pressure healthcare environments globally. Addressing work-related stress through supportive policies, improved workplace relationships, clear role definitions, and organizational changes is crucial for enhancing nurse well-being and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care across the healthcare sector.
Keywords: Work-related stress, nurses, healthcare, King Fahad Hospital, Saudi Arabia, HSE Management Standards, risk assessment, demographic predictors, workplace characteristics.
Description
Keywords
Occupational Stress, Saudi Arabia, Nurses, Health Personnel, Risk Assessment, Demography