Prevalence and Management of Stress among Nurses in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence and management of stress among nurses in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of 212 registered nurses in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. The sample size for this study was 161 registered nurses. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire titled prevalence and management of stress among nurses questionnaire. The instrument attained a reliability co-efficient of 0.70. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages. The finding of the study showed that 43.7% always experienced excessive work load, 56.2% always experienced stress from death and dying, 37.5% experienced uncertainty concerning treatment, 18.8% experienced conflicts with other nurses, while 12.5% always experienced conflicts with physicians. The finding of the study also showed that 56.2% agreed going on dates, clubbing, seeing a movie and hanging out, and going home to relax, 25% agreed watching movies and listening to music, dancing, 12.5 agreed playing football, table tennis and engaging in other sporting activities, 62.5% agreed sleeping and resting, 62.5% agreed talking to a counselor, chatting and relaxing with friends, engaging in social activities, 50% indicated regular exercise like swimming, jogging among others, 25% agreed engaging in extra-curricular activities. It was concluded that prevalence of stress was significantly high, and nurses adopt several management strategies to cope with stress. It was recommended amongst others that the government, ministries of health and other relevant health management agencies should implement professional counseling units to offer coping strategies among nurses