Ways of Coping among Nurses in the Context of Maternal and Perinatal Mortality in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

<p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Objective</strong>: To determine the coping strategies used by nurses providing maternal and perinatal care in the hospitals of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. <strong>Methods</strong>: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in public hospitals (1tertiary, 2regional and 3district hospitals).A sample ofnurses andunit managers on duty at the time of visit was asked to complete the Ways of Coping Scale (WCS) questionnaireanonymously.Principal ComponentAnalysis was used to test factor structure from the original 32-items WCS questionnaire.<strong>Results</strong>: A total of 83 nurses participated in the study, of which 98% were females and (59%) married. The most frequent coping strategies used were acceptance/adaptation, substance use and emotional eating, denial/avoidance, spiritual and seeking social help. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Therefore, it is recommended that psychological support programs should be implemented to deal with stressful situations at workplace.</p>