Work-Related Strain, Sense of Coherence and Intercultural Sensitivity Among Mental Health Nurses in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Migrant nurses face many challenges as they adapt and assimilate into their new working environments. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the perceptions of work-related strain, sense of coherence and intercultural sensitivity among nurses who were employed at a public mental health facility in Qatar. We used three self-report questionnaires: the work-related strain inventory, sense of coherence scale and an intercultural sensitivity scale. A cohort of 136 nurses voluntarily engaged in the study. The majority of participants were male, migrated from South Asia and were in their mid-30s. The study found that both sense of coherence and intercultural sensitivity were inversely proportional to work-related strain. Work-related strain was found to be lower than expected; the factors that appear to protect against work-related strain include longer clinical experience, a high sense of coherence, and intercultural sensitivity. Additionally, greater age and extended clinical experience, combined with a history of work in three or more countries, associated with higher scores on the sense of coherence scale. Lastly, being female, having a postgraduate degree and holding a senior-level position were associated with increased intercultural sensitivity. As nurses' migration across national and international borders increases in response to global demand, this study has important implications for nursing administrators, educators and policymakers in relation to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance nurses' sense of coherence and intercultural sensitivity and prevent work-related strain.

Trial Registration number: NCT04196751.