ASSESSMENT OF PERCEIVED LEVEL OF STRESS AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG NURSES WORKING AT DHQ HOSPITAL, VEHARI PAKISTAN

Background: Stress is a dynamic response  reciprocating between the person and the environment. Nursing is an occupation with a collection of of circumstances leading to stress. Work‑related stress (occupational stress) can bring hazardous consequences to a person’s physical, mental and social status, which directly and indirectly affecting their standard and work optimization. Hence, an attempt has been made with an aim to ascertain perceived level of stress among staff nurses in District Headquarters Hospital Vehari.

Methodology: The descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 100 staff nurses selected from DHQ Hospital Vehari, using multistage sampling technique. Study duration was 6‑months period with a esponse rate of 100%. A well drafted questionnaire was designed to assess stress using Perceived Level of Stress (PLOS) and Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS). Results: A cross‑sectional study consisted of 100 staff nurses. Majority of the participants (93 [93.0%]) had diploma and 90 (90.0%) nurses worked on day shift. Nearly 55 (55.0%) had a moderate perceived level of stress 50 (50%) had moderate occupational stress. Significant positive correlation (r = 0.144, P < 0.001) between ENSS and PSS.

Conclusion: A positive correlation was found between perceived stress and occupational stress among staff nurses of DHQ Hospital Vehari. This shows that those with general stress also have occupational stress.

Keywords: Nurses, occupational stress, perceived stress