WORKPLACE STRESS, COPING STRATEGIES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT NURSES IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS SIDAMA AND SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA REGION, 2024

Abstract

Background; Work-related Stress significantly affects healthcare workers globally, leading to organizational inefficiency, high staff turnover, and decreased job satisfaction. Both private and public healthcare institutions experience high levels of Stress. In Ethiopia, most studies have focused on public hospitals. This study aims to examine Stress in both private and public hospitals, emphasizing the need for effective coping strategies to improve healthcare outcomes. Objective: to assess the level of workplace Stress, coping strategies and associated factor among the Intensive Care Unit nurses at Sidama and southern Ethiopia Region Public and Private Hospitals. Method: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to May 5, 2024, in public and private hospitals in Sidama and Southern Ethiopia. The consecutive sampling method was used. Data were collected via interview-based questionnaires using the simplified and adapted Expanded Nurse Stress Scale and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory. Collection was done using the Kobo Toolbox database, involving three diploma and two BSc nurses. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 25, applying descriptive statistics, bi variable, ordinal, and multivariate logistic regression. The significance was determined with an adjusted odds ratio, 95% CI, and p-value <0.05. Result: The overall prevalence of work-related Stress among ICU nurses was 57 % (CI 95% 50.1, 63.7) in public hospitals (62%) and private hospitals (51.4%). In private hospitals, Stress were associated with having a diploma (AOR = 5.2 (95% CI: 1.04, 14), being female (AOR = 2.6 95% CI, 1.04, 6.53), and job dissatisfaction (AOR = 2.6(95% CI; 1.7, 7.12). In public hospitals, significant factors included being female (AOR = 5.3 (95% CI: 1.92, 14.4), less than 5 years of experience (AOR = 4.6(95% CI: 1.5, 14.05), holding a diploma (AOR = 6.8 (95% CI: 1.6, 16), and working shifts (AOR = 0.56 (95% CI: 0.4, 0.72). Conclusion and Recommendation; In Sidama and Southern Ethiopia, work-related Stress levels among nurses were high. In Public hospital nurses reported higher Stress levels than those in private hospitals. Factors contributing to Stress included sex, education, experience, work shifts, and job satisfaction. Interventions for public hospital nurses, especially in high-Stress ICUs, are crucial. Training should focus on managing agitated patients and coping with workplace Stress.