Occupational Stress Research Articles

Psychological stress among hypertensive male patients in Jordan: prevalence and associated factors

BackgroundHypertension is a global, modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, imposing a significant burden due to its high mortality and morbidity rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of psychological stress among hypertensive patients in Jordan and identify the factors associated with psychological stress.MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on hypertensive patients at three community healthcare clinics in Jordan from May to July 2024. A sample of 276 hypertensive male patients was randomly selected, representing 85% of the total patients in the selected clinics. Patients were selected via systematic random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire on psychological stress using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42) was employed. The data were collected through Google Forms and analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 27).ResultsA total of 276 hypertensive males participated in the study, and the mean score of psychological stress was 16.02(± 7.59). The prevalence of psychological stress was 55.1%, with 60 (39.5%) experiencing mild stress and 57 (37.5%) experiencing moderate stress. Chronic diseases and inadequate exercise were significantly associated with psychological stress (p-values: 0.003 and < 0.001, respectively). Participants reporting stressful work were more than four times more likely to experience psychological stress than those who did not report work-related stress (OR = 4.06; 95% CI: 2.00–8.25; p < 0.001). A stressful home environment and insufficient sleep were also significantly associated with psychological stress (p = 0.026 and p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe results highlight a strong association between psychological stress and hypertension. Factors such as chronic diseases, insufficient exercise, occupational stress, a stressful home environment, and inadequate sleep contribute to psychological stress among hypertensive patients. These findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers in developing tailored interventions to alleviate stress while managing hypertension.

Human resource management in homecare in England: managing people for safe care during crisis

BackgroundHuman resource management (HRM) of healthcare organisations plays an important role in improving the continuity of care, managing staff, and ensuring patient safety. During COVID-19, there were several HR-related issues, creating a significant challenging situation for health and social care institutions. This study explored the HRM issues that are associated with the patient safety in homecare, and how homecare providers have responded to these HR-related challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this is to explore the role of HRM practices in helping care organisations operate efficiently and supporting their workforce to adapt to future disruptive changes and crises.MethodsQualitative strategies include narrative inquiry involving gathering information in the form of storytelling by the research participants. Between February 2021 and December 2021, data were collected through semi-structured interviews of 31 participants, including homecare staff (homecare transition practitioners, homecare social workers, and carers), family members, and service users in England.ResultsThe research identified key HRM challenges during the pandemic, including staff shortages, high turnover, ineffective communication, occupational stress for front-line carers, and lack of training, all adversely affecting the safety of homecare patients. In response, homecare providers employed strategies like opportunistic recruitment, digital technology for training and communication, and flexible work arrangements to mitigate these issues.ConclusionsSeveral implications are proposed, with the over-riding aim of ensuring effective management of HRM practices in responding to address key areas: staffing, performance management, and training. Homecare providers should utilise short-term adaptive recruitment strategies, while also focusing on long-term workforce development and resilience to effectively respond to current and future care needs. Prioritising staff well-being for retention and care quality are crucial. Homecare providers are encouraged to offer flexible work arrangements and digital communication methods, all while being mindful of preventing technostress and digital exhaustion among their staff. They also need to bridge training gaps and employ effective delivery methods to equip healthcare workers with essential skills, thereby enhancing resilience and adaptability in homecare.

Adaptation and Psychometric Features of the Korean Medical Academicians Stress Questionnaire for Iranian Medical Academicians

Background: Stress is a major factor affecting the mental health and academic performance of medical academicians, which necessitates the use of valid and reliable tools to measure it within their specific cultural and educational contexts. Given the unique circumstances of Iranian medical academicians, it is essential to adapt and validate the Korean Medical Academicians Stress Questionnaire (KMSSQ) to ensure it accurately captures the stressors they experience. Objectives: This study aimed to adapt and validate the KMSSQ for use among Iranian medical academicians, ensuring its cultural relevance and accuracy in reflecting the unique stressors they face. Methods: This study, focused on psychometric evaluation, included 900 medical academicians selected using stratified sampling from universities in Tehran. Participants completed both the KMSSQ and the occupational stress inventory (OSI). Face validity, content validity, concurrent validity, structural validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were evaluated using SPSS (version 21) and LISREL (version 8.8). The cut-off point of the questionnaire was determined using the ROC curve. Results: The KMSSQ demonstrated high face, content, and concurrent validity (r = 0.91). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified six factors that explained 60.41% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a six-dimensional construct. The questionnaire exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.91). The cut-off point was set at 120, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85.23%. Conclusions: The KMSSQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing stress among Iranian medical academicians. It can be used for educational planning and psychological interventions, offering a culturally adapted measure that addresses the unique challenges faced by this group.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the mental health professionals stigma scale for occupational stress and burnout

ABSTRACT The research was conducted to adapt the Mental Health Professionals Stigma Scale for Occupational Stress and Burnout to Turkish culture and make its validity and reliability. This methodological research was conducted in six different tertiary care hospitals and one state hospital. The research sample consisted of n = 188 mental health professionals (psychiatrists, nurses, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, social workers/experts, occupational therapists), and test-re-test analysis was carried out among 30 professionals. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a three-factor structure with 12 items, accounting for 51.65% of the variation. RMSEA, SRMR, GFI, and χ2/df, which explain the fit indices of the 12-item and 3-factor structure of the scale, were all at an acceptable range. Regarding reliability analysis, the scale was determined to be reliable based on the α coefficient. The research identified that the Turkish version of the scale is a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation of stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs regarding occupational stress and burnout among mental health professionals. It is thought that it will contribute to developing help-seeking and mental health interventions among mental health professionals.

Lessons from a crisis: occupational stress in healthcare workers in an acute paediatric teaching hospital in Ireland

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic placed increased pressure on service provision and healthcare worker (HCW) wellness. As the crisis of the pandemic receded, paediatric healthcare staff required an appropriate response to facilitate...

Occupational Stress and Work Engagement: The Psychological Capital as A Moderator

This study aims to examine how job stress and interactions at work are affected, as well as how psychological capital acts as a moderator. This research is descriptive, and it falls within the category of applied research in terms of its goal. The research's statistical population comprised 450 personnel and professionals from Basra Petrochemical Industry General Company. 207 people made up the sample size according to Cochran's formula, and a straightforward random sampling technique chose the sample members. The findings indicated that work interactions negatively influence job stress. Psychological capital moderates the link between occupational stress and psychological capital.

SÍNDROME DE BURNOUT ENTRE ENFERMEIROS

The study carried out an integrative review research seeking to identify, through literature, the occurrence of Burnout Syndrome (BS) and professional exhaustion among professional nurses. Since BS is a psychosocial condition resulting from chronic stress in the workplace and considering the increase in BS cases among nurses, it is important to investigate the stressors related to nurses' work. 18 articles, published between 2019 and 2023, were selected to compose the study. The results showed moderate/high levels of BS in nursing professionals in various work sectors, related to a variety of predictive factors such as: emotional exhaustion, dissatisfaction, lack of investment in people and resources. It is worth highlighting that stress, overload, emotional exhaustion, dissatisfaction, frustration, devaluation, were associated with feelings of suffering. Warning that nurses are falling ill as a result of inadequate working conditions, physical, mental and emotional overload, occupational stress and lack of recognition. Therefore, it is important to create strategies that can contribute to reducing cases, enabling nurses to acquire more emotional, mental, quality of life at work, well-being and psychosocial support, generating healthy work environments.

Meniscus Tears: Risk Factors, Physical Examination, and Preventive Approaches

Abstract. Meniscus injuries are among the most frequent knee issues, affecting individuals across a wide age range and often resulting from acute trauma or age-related degeneration. The meniscus, essential for knee stability, shock absorption, and joint lubrication, is particularly vulnerable to injury in sports involving twisting and pivoting motions. This review discusses the anatomy of the meniscus, various types of tearssuch as radial, horizontal, complex, and bucket-handle tearsand the primary risk factors, including sports activities and occupational stress. Diagnostic tools like the McMurray and Apley compression tests, along with MRI, are crucial in assessing the severity of the injury. Effective prevention strategies include strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings, flexibility routines, proper movement techniques, and the use of protective gear like knee braces. Early detection and consistent preventive measures are critical in preserving knee function, minimizing the risk of re-injury, and preventing long-term complications such as osteoarthritis.

The effect of occupational stress on diseases of the cardiovascular system of teachers

The teaching profession is accompanied by risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The lifestyle of teachers is characterized by low physical activity, skipping meals, and low dietary diversity. Teachers are affected by chronic emotional stress. Stress can lead to narrowing of the arteries, promote intravascular inflammation, increase blood clotting, and may increase the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death. Research indicates the widespread prevalence of diseases of the cardiovascular system among teachers and, first of all, arterial hypertension. The study showed that teachers in a stressful situation were 3.027 times more at risk of developing hypertension. There is low awareness among teachers about their existing diseases and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Professional stress in the workplace of teachers requires control and regulation. It is necessary to inform teachers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Occupational Stress and Sleep of Military Police Officers From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Military Police officers of Rio de Janeiro's State have been considered the most lethal security forces in Brazil, corresponding to 52.35% of deaths in policing actions. The main aim of this study was to identify occupational stress among military police officers in Rio de Janeiro State and its relationship with the psychosocial environment, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. Two hundred and forty-two military policemen, divided into two groups (elite and non-elite), were evaluated occupational stress by the Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory (LSSI), daytime sleepiness (DS) by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and sleep quality (SQ) by the Pitsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Military police officers (entire sample) showed dissatisfaction related to psychological support from the military institution (p = 0.004), about the inefficiency of the judicial system (p < 0.001) and their low popularity towards society (p = 0.009). The group of elite police officers slept significantly less (p = 0.026) and, in general, suffered more from severe daytime sleepiness, had poorer SQ and showed lower levels of occupational stress than their peers. It was possible to identify that stress can be detected, developed, and intensified in military police officers as a result of the environment in which they are exposed and this interferes significantly in sleep and daytime sleepiness (p < 0.05). Through this study, it is hoped that measures can be implemented to enhance the work environment and thereby improve the quality of life for this military population. Furthermore, it is intended to stimulate more comprehensive and longitudinal studies, particularly inclusive of female military personnel.

The study of the level of professional burnout among pharmacists

Aim. To determine the level of professional burnout among pharmacists in different regions of Ukraine and evaluate the main factors contributing to the occurrence of this condition. Materials and methods. During the study, the methods of system analysis, generalization, comparison, logical analysis, as well as the survey method according to Maslach and the developed author’s questionnaire were used. Results. Most pharmaceutical workers experience fatigue, reduced interest in work and difficulty waking up in the morning, which indicates a high level of occupational stress and burnout. In addition, a significant percentage of respondents complain of emotional exhaustion and depression, which deepens the negative impact on their motivation. The main factors contributing to burnout are job monotony, low financial remuneration, workplace conflicts and lack of proper support from colleagues and management. In addition, most pharmaceutical workers feel that their work is underestimated, which reduces overall satisfaction with the profession. The consequences of professional burnout are deterioration in the quality of customer service, an increase in the number of errors in the pharmacists’ work, and an increase in staff turnover in pharmacies. Conclusions. The vast majority of pharmacists experience signs of professional burnout, which often forces them to change their workplace or even their field of activity. In order to reduce this phenomenon, it is necessary to take comprehensive measures aimed at optimizing the workload, providing psychological support, creating favorable working conditions and properly evaluating the professional efforts of pharmaceutical workers. Special attention should be paid to the implementation of programs for the development of professional stress management skills.

A Critical Review of Occupational Stress Literature

Occupational stress is an emerging issue for the management and stakeholders of organizations. It arises due to a mismatch of the capabilities, resources and needs of the worker with the requirements of the job. The effects of occupational stress not only adversely affect physically and psychologically of the employees but also enhance the cost for the organisations. The present study analyzes the literature on occupational stress in terms of stated objectives, indices and scales for measurement of stress with a view to ascertain the gaps and trends in the studies of occupational stress. 80 research papers mostly of the last 15 years have been selected from the electronic database for the purpose of the analysis. The study concludes that the conceptualization of the stress phenomenon has not yet adequately matured. Further, the study also observes that organization-specific quantification of the cost of stress and expected benefits have been almost neglected. It also indicates that stress measurement scales are not yet attaining sufficient degree of accuracy and reliability. The study also observes that indices for stress measurement are far from being well-developed.

Assessing School Managers Occupational Stress and Coping Strategies: Their Influence on Managerial Competence

Occupational stress is a pervasive concern across various professions, significantly impacting individuals' well-being and job performance. In the educational sector, school managers, including principals, head teachers, and teachers-in-charge, face unique challenges that contribute to high levels of stress and lead to unfavorable working conditions and significant occupational stress. The study aimed to examine the level of occupational stress experienced by school managers in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, identify their coping strategies, and assess how these factors influence their managerial competence. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who could provide the most relevant information for the study's objectives. It employed a descriptive correlational survey design to assess the relationship between occupational stress, coping strategies, and managerial competence among school managers in Guiuan. The respondents include 48 school managers from three school districts within Guiuan. Findings revealed that school managers in Guiuan experience high levels of occupational stress due to factors such as poor working environments, curriculum implementation challenges, and economic issues. Effective coping strategies identified include delegation of duties, developing close staff relationships, and practicing good time management. Furthermore, a significant majority of school managers demonstrate outstanding managerial competence, indicating strong leadership abilities despite the high levels of stress. It concluded that while school managers in Guiuan face significant occupational stress, they employ commendable coping strategies and exhibit high levels of managerial competence. The importance of addressing occupational stress and supporting school managers in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, through targeted interventions and policies aimed at enhancing their coping strategies and managerial competence.

The Effect of Virtual Self-Management Training in Communication Skills on The Level of Violence and Occupational Stress of Emergency Technicians at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences In 2021

Introduction: Emergency technicians face workplace violence and increasing occupational stress. Thepurpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a virtual self-management training in communicationskills on occupational stress and the degree of aggression among emergency technicians. Material and Methods: This study involved 60 emergency technicians randomly assigned to either theintervention or control group. They completed surveys on workplace violence and occupational stress.The intervention group received six weeks of a virtual self-management training in communication skills.Data was collected after two months and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The findings showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the controlgroup (110.08±11.92) and the two intervention groups (114.39±11.25) in terms of the averageoccupational stress before the intervention; The average job stress score between the intervention(94.0±12,70) and control (98.81± 20,81) groups significantly differed following the intervention (p=0.034);After the intervention, the intervention group had lower verbal and physical abuse frequencies comparedto the control group. Conclusion: The virtual self-management communication training demonstrated the potential to reduceoccupational stress but did not significantly decrease the violence towards the emergency technicians.A comprehensive training program addressing violence factors and communication techniques,implemented over a longer period, is recommended

Improving the Process of Managing Psychosocial Risks in Organizations.

Psychosocial risks (PSRs) are identified as one of the main modern occupational safety issues, primarily related to occupational stress, and need to be reduced to safe levels in accordance with international requirements. The research purpose is to improve the process of managing the PSRs in the occupational safety and health management systems of employees, taking into account the impact of psychosocial dangers in accordance with the requirements of ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 45003:2021 standards. To develop the process of managing the PSRs, a system analysis method is applied, which allows determining the structural relationships between the variable elements of dangerous psychosocial factors described in the ISO 45003:2021 standard. The bow-tie model has been improved to determine the relationship between psychosocial dangers and the dangerous event occurrence - experiencing stress by an employee, taking into account the influence of various dangerous psychosocial factors, which provides for an additional risk level assessment for restoring the health of an employee who has experienced stress. The process of psychosocial risk management consisting of ten steps is proposed, which involves identifying the relationship between psychosocial dangers and consequences for human health, taking into account the impact of various dangerous psychosocial factors based on questionnaires, followed by analysis and processing of the duration and intensity of experiencing stress. To reduce the impact of subjective assessments of the duration and intensity of experiencing stress on the psychosocial risk level, it is proposed to take into account the value of individual perception of experiencing stress (stress resistance) and the employees' health condition. The scientific novelty is to determine the psychosocial risk level as the sum of the risk values from the impact of each dangerous psychosocial factor, which are characteristic of aspects of work organization, social conditions at work, working environment, equipment, dangerous tasks and the level of employee health. The practical value is the development of scales for assessing the impact of dangerous psychosocial factors and a form for documenting the process of managing psychosocial risks with the indication of precautionary measures to control them.

Analyze the Effect of Steel Waste on Performance Characteristics of Concrete

This cross-sectional study investigates the immediate impact of occupational stress on short-term heart rate variability (HRV) and muscle strength among 200 construction workers in Chennai. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was employed to assess stress levels, while HRV was measured using a portable ECG device, focusing on time-domain (RMSSD) and frequency-domain (HF Power) parameters. Muscle strength was evaluated using a MicroFET 2 dynamometer. Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analyses were applied to determine the associations between stress, HRV, and muscle strength, adjusting for confounding factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and work duration. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between perceived stress and both HRV indices (RMSSD: r=-0.45, p&lt;0.01; HF Power: r=-0.50, p&lt;0.01) as well as muscle strength (r=-0.40, p&lt;0.01). Higher stress levels were associated with reduced HRV and diminished muscle strength. Regression analyses confirmed that stress independently predicted lower HRV (RMSSD: ?=-0.35, p&lt;0.01; HF Power: ?=-0.42, p&lt;0.01) and decreased muscle strength (?=-0.32, p&lt;0.01). These findings suggest that elevated stress negatively impacts both cardiovascular and muscular functioning, potentially increasing the health risks among construction workers. The study highlights the importance of implementing stress management interventions to improve both the physical well-being and productivity of workers in the construction industry.

Investigating self-rated health and wellbeing among teachers in Finland from a salutogenic perspective

The teaching profession is among the most stressful occupations associated with high workloads and stress. Teacher wellbeing has received increasing attention, as it is a key factor not only to the wellbeing of the teachers, but also to their students, as well as to the prosperity of the schools and communities alike. The present study aimed to investigate teacher wellbeing from a salutogenic perspective emphasizing positive health, wellbeing, and health promotion principles. A survey was sent to members of a trade union for Finnish teachers in spring 2020. In total, 1,312 teachers responded to the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS), the main measurement used in this study. About 81% of the respondents were women and the majority of the participants (91%) were over 30 years old. Findings from this cross-sectional study reveal that older teachers and teachers with longer work experience reported significantly better perception of energy, cognitive ability, and expression of feelings, compared to younger teachers with more limited work experience, as well as a decrease in perceived stress. In conclusion, older, more experienced teachers were seen to be better able to cope with workplace stressors compared to their younger counterparts, which presumably is linked to a stronger sense of coherence.

14. OCCUPATIONAL STRESS OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND SOME ASSOCIATED FACTORS AT DONG DO HOSPITAL IN 2023

Objective: Occupational stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) significantly impacts their health and the quality of healthcare services. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify factors associated with occupational stress among HCWs at Dong Do Hospital, Hanoi, in 2023. Methodology: We utilized a cross-sectional study design with 245 HCWs participating through the administration of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Results: The study found that 24% of HCWs experienced significant job stress, with notable variations across different departments. Factors significantly associated with higher levels of stress included high job demands, low job control, and inadequate support from colleagues. Notably, demographic factors such as age and gender did not show a significant relationship with occupational stress levels. Conclusion and recommendation: Based on the findings, we recommend targeted interventions to improve job control, enhance workplace support, and manage job demands to mitigate stress among HCWs. This study contributes to the understanding of occupational stress in a hospital setting and suggests pathways for interventions to enhance worker well-being and healthcare efficiency.

I love my job. But it's physically, mentally, and emotionally draining": a cross-sectional survey exploring midwives' intentions of leaving the profession in Melbourne, Australia.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there were midwifery workforce deficits reported in Australia, but inadequate workforce data to identify retention and attrition in the profession. In the post-pandemic era, workforce deficits continue. This paper reports on midwives' intentions to leave the profession and explores reasons for and factors associated with having high intention to leave, to inform strategies that can address retention and attrition of midwives. A cross-sectional survey with midwives was conducted in 2017 via an online survey in two maternity care sites in Victoria, Australia. Plans for remaining in or leaving the profession were explored along with reasons for leaving or intending to leave the profession. Other data collected included demographic and workforce characteristics and occupational stressors. Burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and job satisfaction using the Midwifery Process Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, univariate, multivariate analyses, and content analysis were used for data analysis. Of the 326 respondents (326/508, 64%), over half had considered leaving the midwifery profession in 12 months prior to the study, 20% had thought about leaving frequently and 12% were planning on leaving in the next five years. The main reasons for leaving were not wanting to do shift work, feeling worn out, and experiencing work-related stress. Factors associated with a high intention to leave the profession were work-related burnout, poor job satisfaction and a high intention to leave the workplace. Age did not impact intention to leave but was influential on the reasons for leaving. Pre-pandemic, midwives in Victoria, Australia had a high intention to leave the profession regardless of age. Approaches that address midwifery stress, burnout, and fatigue need to be considered, including developing options that offer employment that does not require shift work. To provide safe quality care that supports positive outcomes for women and their families, an appropriate midwifery workforce must be achieved and maintained. Understanding midwives' intentions to leave the profession is critical and requires ongoing attention given the workforce is likely to remain under significant stress until the major contributing factors are addressed.

Burnout among Medical Assistants at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Professional burnout is a state of mental exhaustion and it is a passive reaction caused by chronic occupational stress that is not properly managed. Physician burnout is more prevalent than in the general population, particularly among residents. The aim of this study is to investigate burnout among the residents of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 214 residents of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, in 2022-2023 based on the Maslach Burnout Questionnaire. Residents were categorized into no, moderate and severe burnout groups using rates of 33% and 66%. Residents’ career choices, including their decision to enter the medical field and choose a specialty, as well as their priorities were also surveyed. Results: A total of 151 residents participated in this study (70.5%) with the mean age of 31.91±5.02 years. The mean burnout score was 51.25±26.97. Professional burnout did not differ significantly by gender, marital status, having children, type of specialty (surgical or non-surgical), or residency level. Burnout was highest in pediatrics, orthopedics and cardiology, and lowest in emergency medicine, infectious diseases and ophthalmology. This difference was significant between the disciplines (P-value=0.003). The most important unmet needs cited by residents were a suitable fellowship (77.5%) and fewer working hours (76.8%). 63 residents regretted their choice of medicine (41.7%) and 38 (25.2%) regretted their choice of specialty. There was no significant association between age and professional burnout (P-value=0.057). Conclusion: More than half of the residents suffer from moderate professional burnout. It is recommended to improve the conditions for residents, to conduct more studies with details and to evaluate this topic regularly.