Prevalence of Psychosocial Stress and Its Risk Factors among Health-care Workers in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Context: Health-care workers experience psychosocial stress in their workplace. Available statistics are at variance, and hence, the need to know the overall prevalence of psychosocial stress among Nigerian health-care workers and associated risk factors.

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychosocial stress and its risk factors among health-care workers in Nigeria through meta-analysis.

Materials and methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles. Search terms include "psychosocial stress," "occupational health," and "Nigerian health-care worker." Articles were included if they used validated psychosocial stress assessment instruments. Of the 17 articles with data on psychosocial stress prevalence, eight met all inclusion criteria. Each article independently reviewed by the authors and relevant data abstracted. Statistical analysis was done using MedCalc version 18.10.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of psychosocial stress was 61.97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.013-80.823) based on analyzed eight articles with the sample size of 1763. Work overload rate at 67.72% (95% CI: 33.24-93.76) was the most prevalent psychosocial stress risk factor. Other risk factors were poor communication and staff attitude and lack of resources and equipment at 50.37% (95% CI: 13.35-87.16) and 62.4% (95% CI: 7.70-99.9), respectively. Headache, with neck and back pain, was the most prevalent psychosocial stress-related health outcome at 73.26% (95% CI: 66.14-79.82).

Conclusion: Prevalence of psychosocial stress is high among health-care workers in Nigeria, necessitating preventive measures.