Effects of Occupational Stress on the Mental Health of Nurses in the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals, Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose: Nursing is an extremely stressful job, and high levels of occupational stress are believed to have negative effects on nurses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of occupational stress, factors contributing to occupational stress on nurses and effects of occupational stress on nurses’ mental health. A cross-sectional study design was used. The study duration was five months. A sample of 102 nurses was purposively selected to take part in the study from the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals, Cameroon and distributed by probability proportionate to size. Data was collected using a well structured questionnaire and entered into an excel spreadsheet then analyzed using the Weiman Occupational Stress Scale(WOSS). Materials and Methods: Data was presented using tables. A cut off point of 43.6 was used to determine the level of stress. Anyone above 43.6 had severe and anyone below 43.6 had mild effects. Findings: The study found out that nurses of the hospital were found to experience above average levels of occupational stress with the mean score and individual average score of 59.93 and 3.40 indicating a 51% higher than the established Weiman Occupational Stress Scale mean score of 33.75 and individual average of 2.25. The study found out that 61% of the nurses had severe stress while 39% had mild stress. The study also found that the most common stressors were Long work hours, handling a large number of patients alone and insufficient salary whilst the effects of occupational stress on mental health include: poor appetite, insomnia, depressive mood, trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping not too much, forgetfulness. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Nurses should identify and use mechanisms that help them to better cope with stress.