Evaluation of Professional Anxiety and Stress Among medical and Paramedical Staff in Anaesthesia Department

Abstract

Introduction Stress is one of major growing mental problems among highly educated professionals and it should not be ignored as it can cause many other health issues. Objectives Assess the level of stress and anxiety among anesthesia staff and identify various stress factors. Methods Cross-sectional study, including 54 participants (16 medical staff and 38 paramedics) working in an anesthesia department. Data collection was performed using a form comprising: socio-demographic characteristics, Karasek questionnaire for the assessment of occupational stress and Hamilton scale for measuring anxiety. Results Mean number of years of work 16.2. Psychiatric history reported in 13%. Factors considered as generators of stress: important requirements 74.1%, fear of medical error 44.4%, low number of the staff 68.5% and harmful environment 72.2%. Karasek questionnaire:mean scale of decision latitude 69 points, psychological demands 23.9 and social support 19.6. 42.6% were 'active”, 40.7% were in 'high job strain”, 13% estimated 'passive” and 3.7% were in 'low job strain”. 38.9% were in 'isostrain” situation. The mean Hamilton scale 17.7 points, psychic anxiety 9 and somatic anxiety 8.7. Anxiety was mild in 61.1% of cases, moderate 16.7% and severe 22.2%. Hamilton scale was positively correlated to: age (p=0.019), number of years of work (p=0.003) and psychiatric follow-up care (p=0.022). Conclusion Anesthesia is a specialty in which the practitioner is often confronted by stressful situations, leading to a state of stress and emotional exhaustion. If this situation is poorly managed, it can cause a burnout. Hence, a better understanding of these stressful situations is a priority.