A Qualitative Study on the Causes and Effects of Occupational Stress: The Case of Nurses at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Winneba-Central Region

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2022 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 9 Issue 1

Year of Publication : 2022

Authors : Juliet Sam-Wiah, Papa Damptse Johnson, Prince Laryea

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V9I1P108

How to Cite?

Juliet Sam-Wiah, Papa Damptse Johnson, Prince Laryea, "A Qualitative Study on the Causes and Effects of Occupational Stress: The Case of Nurses at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital, Winneba-Central Region," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 9,  no. 1, pp. 51-58, 2022. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V9I1P108

Abstract:

This study set out to explore the causes and effects of occupational stress among nurses at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, Ghana. The study was qualitative in nature, adopting a phenomenological study approach. Thirteen nurses (general, community, enrolled, health assistants, midwives and a psychiatry nurse) were sampled through stratified and convenience techniques. An interview guide was employed to collect qualitative data. The qualitative data was thematically analyzed. The findings are presented in the succeeding section. The results revealed that the nurses identified various factors that caused stress within the hospital setting. Five key themes emerged from the fieldwork. These occupational stressors were shift work, work overload, inadequate staff, experiences of "death and dying", and shortage of equipment. Nurses at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba, Ghana, were also found to be experiencing some significant consequences, not only on their health and well-being but also on their working relationships at the hospital. The nurses had headaches and body aches as the physical effects; behavioural responses included being pettish and aggressive and expressing outbursts towards patients, especially uncooperative and difficult ones. Conclusively, nurses at the Trauma and Specialist hospital faced several occupational stressors, including shift work, work overload, lack of staff and lack of equipment. However, loss of concentration, feelings of frustration and de-motivation were commonly reported among the nurses. Therefore, the study recommends that hospital management should explore the possibility of recruiting more nurses to revamp the provision of nursing care at the hospital.

Keywords:

Occupational Stress, Nurses, Trauma and Specialist Hospital.

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