Person-centered exploration of work-related stress patterns, predictors, and their association with subhealth in midwives: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundMidwives experience elevated levels of work-related stress. However, there is limited understanding of the patterns of this stress, its sociodemographic and work-related determinants, and its association with sub-health. MethodThis multi-center cross-sectional study, conducted in 21 hospitals in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China, involved 300 midwives. Work-related stress levels in midwives were evaluated using the Chinese version of the Nursing Stress Scale, while social, physical and mental sub-health status was measured with the Sub-Health Measurement Scale. Utilizing latent profile analysis, the study aimed to categorize midwives into homogeneous profiles based on patterns of work-related stress. ResultsAmong the 300 midwives examined, three distinct profiles were identified: profile 1 (n=57, 19 %), characterized by low work-related stress; profile 2 (n=149, 50 %), representing the moderate work-related stress class; and profile 3 (n=94, 31 %), indicative of high work-related stress. Midwives in the high work-related stress profile tended to be younger, with lower monthly income, lower professional titles, and a higher likelihood of night shift work (all P<0.01). Significant and noteworthy trends were observed in sociodemographic characteristics (age, monthly income, and professional title) and work-related characteristics (night shift status). After controlling for confounders, the work-related stress profile demonstrated a negative association with social, physical and mental sub-health status. ConclusionThis study highlights integrating stress domains and adopting a person-centered approach to examine midwives’ work-related stress. Identifying predictors of profile membership and their relationship with sub-health can inform tailored interventions to reduce stress and improve midwives' well-being.