Coping strategies, anxiety and self-efficacy among participants in neonatal resuscitation courses for instructors

Aim

To investigate coping strategies, anxiety and self-efficacy among participants in Neonatal Resuscitation Courses for instructors.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Sixty-four participants in two Neonatal Resuscitation Courses for Instructors were assessed by using validated questionnaires.

Results

Overall, self-efficacy and functional coping strategies were moderate/high, while levels of anxiety were quite low. Self- efficacy was positively correlated with positive attitude (r = 0.29; p = 0.02) and problem solving (r = 0.44; p < 0.01) and inversely correlated with avoidance strategies (r=-0.30; p = 0.01) and anxiety (trait r=-0.47; p < 0.01; state r=-0.35; p = 0.01). Emotional maturity was positively correlated with positive attitude (r = 0.42; p < 0.01) and problem solving (r = 0.45; p < 0.01) and inversely correlated with anxiety (trait -0.51; p < 0.01; state r=-0.34; p = 0.01). Finalization of action was positively correlated with problem solving (r = 0.40; p < 0.01) and inversely correlated with avoidance strategies (r=-0.34; p = 0.01) and trait anxiety (r=-0.32; p = 0.01). Relational fluidity was positively correlated with turning to religion (r = 0.28; p = 0.03) and inversely correlated with avoidance strategies (r=-0.31; p = 0.01), and trait anxiety (r=-0.42; p < 0.01). Context analysis was positively correlated with problem solving (r = 0.34; p = 0.01) and inversely correlated with state anxiety (r=-0.36; p < 0.01). Problem solving was significantly higher in doctors compared to nurses (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Neonatal resuscitation instructor candidates displayed high self-efficacy and functional coping strategies, with low anxiety levels. This may help professionals to better deal with stressful and demanding situations and reinforce adaptive work management.