Workplace Factors Contributing to Professional Stress in Family Medicine.

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective was to assess the relationship between sociodemographic and occupational factors and stress levels among healthcare workers in family medicine in Bosnia and Herzegovina, using the PSS-10-BH scale.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the PSS-10-BH questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to primary care nurses and physicians between July and August 2022.

Results: The study included 272 participants, with a mean age of 44.7 (±10.55), predominantly women (86.8%) and physicians (58.8%). The mean PSS-10-BH total score for the sample was 21.26 (±6.77) ranging from 3 to 36. The linear regression model indicated male gender and older age showed an association with slightly lower stress levels. Marital status and the number of children showed a slight positive association with stress levels. Occupation (B=-3.068, 95%CI: -5.442 to -0.694, P=0.012) was associated with stress, with physicians tending to report lower stress levels compared to nurses. Years of work experience (B=0.060, 95%CI: -0.190 to 0.309, P=0.636), and patient load (B=0.082, 95%CI: 0.027 to 0.137, P=0.004) were associated with higher stress levels. The results suggest that work-related variables are significant predictors of stress levels as measured by the PSS-10-BH scale in this sample of healthcare workers. The included predictors explain 10% of the variability in the outcome, indicating additional unidentified contributing factors.

Conclusion: Occupational factors, particularly profession, work experience, and daily patient load, significantly influence stress levels in healthcare workers. Further research is needed to explore other potential influences and refine interventions aimed at managing stress in this population.