Abstract
to identify sources of stress and coping strategies in nurses who work in three Head and Neck Surgery Oncology Services, in three central hospitals in Portugal. a cross-sectional descriptive-exploratory study, whose sample was made up of the 96 nurses from the three services. The following were used in the data collection: a socio-demographic questionnaire; the 12-item General Health Questionnaire; and the Occupational Stress Inventory; Brief COPE. reasonable levels of general health were ascertained. The most-mentioned stressors were: burden with work; low pay; the physical space where they work; emotionally-disturbing situations and lack of recognition of the profession. The most-used coping strategies were: planning; active coping; acceptance and self-distraction. the stressors identified are mainly related to organizational aspects and work conditions, and the coping strategies chosen are aimed at resolving problems and improving the nurses’ well-being. A significant percentage of the nurses presents high levels of pressure and depressed emotions. The results presented corroborate previous studies which warn of the importance of developing strategies for preventing these stress levels.
Highlights
In recent decades, the observation of the implications and consequences of transformations in the work context has called attention to the relevance of studying psychosocial risks at work
The observation of the implications and consequences of transformations in the work context has called attention to the relevance of studying psychosocial risks at work. These are defined as those aspects which are related to the design, management and organization of the work, as well as to the social and environmental contexts, which have the potential to cause physical, social or psychological harm, and which may be experienced through occupational stress(1)
The following were used in the data collection: I) Socio-Demographic Questionnaire; II) The 12-item General Health Questionnaire(16); III) The Occupational Stress Inventory(17); and IV) The Brief COPE(18)(19)
Summary
The observation of the implications and consequences of transformations in the work context has called attention to the relevance of studying psychosocial risks at work. These are defined as those aspects which are related to the design, management and organization of the work, as well as to the social and environmental contexts, which have the potential to cause physical, social or psychological harm, and which may be experienced through occupational stress(1). According to a broad set of studies, stress is responsible for a reduction in the quality of professional performance, reduction in the individual’s satisfaction and well-being, personal stagnation and absenteeism from work(1). Professional stress is mentioned in the literature as a determinant for reduction in the quality of the services provided, an increase in the numbers of errors, and raised financial costs(3)
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