Abstract
Background: Almost every occupation can cause stress, however nursing profession is more likely to cause occupational stress due to work load, staff shortage, patient death and long working hours. There are few studies that have researched factors linked with work-related stress among nurses in public healthcare facilities in South Africa.
Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate factors associated with work-related stress and to determine major causes of stress among nurses working in two selected Tshwane public healthcare facilities, Gauteng.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 392 nurses who were randomly selected from two selected public healthcare facilities. Data collections were performed utilizing a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was also utilized in data analyses. Frequencies and percentages were performed using descriptive statistical analysis to answer all relevant questions. EPINFO 7.2 program was to calculate Crude Odds Ratios (OR) and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and their 95% Confidence intervals (CI).
Results: Most participants were females (85.7%). Participants with National certificate qualifications were statistically significant had probability to develop occupational stress. Participants who experienced stress at work were significant in AOR 0.20, 95%CI (0.30-2.0). The findings significantly showed that long working hours contribute to development of occupational stress among nurses OR 3.00, 95%CI (1.50-4.80). Participants who mentioned anxiety attacks as a symptom caused by stress were significant for AOR 7.0, 95%CI (2.0-26.0). Workload were significant for participants who replied with agree and strongly agree 0.74 and 0.90, 95%CI (0.30-2.31), and 0.80 and 0.40, 95%CI (0.11-3.0), respectively. Participants who agreed that there is lack shortage of staff were significant for AOR 2.00, 95%CI (0.20-8.0). The findings significantly showed that lack of support and poor work ethic were significant for OR.
Conclusions: The research results showed that 98.7% of participant nurses suffered occupational stress. The results showed that nurses undergoes occupational challenges which are contributing to their stress at work. According to the results it is recommended that there is a necessity to introduce wellness programs among nurses, reduce long working hours and work load.
Keywords: Occupational stress, Nurses, Tshwane, socio-demographic factors.