Occupational stress and associated sources and risk factors among nurses in Gaza strip, Palestine: A cross-sectional survey.

Aim: To determine the occurrence of occupational stress among Palestinian nurses, and their associated sources and risk factors.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive design.

Methods: A total of 250 registered nurses from eight governmental hospitals, using a convenience sampling method. Data collection were conducted using the 30-items self-reported Occupational Stress Scale from December 2022 to March 2023. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to analysis data. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results: The prevalence of high occupational stress levels was 64.8% (Mean = 3.9 out of 5). The main sources of stress are too much responsibility and work, understaffing, lack of promotion and recognition, inadequate pay, time pressure, and management style. The results regression analysis demonstrated that male nurses with a Masters or PhD degree and those working in fixed shifts experienced higher occupational stress. Moreover, participants who worked overtime hours were more susceptible to stress.

Conclusions: The research indicates that occupational stress presents a notable challenge for nurses in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. It suggests that in order to alleviate this stress, decision-makers in healthcare policy and hospital management should prioritize the execution of strategies aimed at addressing the primary stressors and risk factors identified.

Reporting method: This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines.

Public contribution: A total of 250 registered nurses were taken part in this study by answering a self-administered study survey.