Occupational stress in healthcare workers at a university hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Occupational stress can be caused by a heavy workload, insecurity, or poor relationships with coworkers or supervisors. Previous research has showed a significant prevalence of stress in healthcare personnel. This study's aim was to identify health-care professionals at risk of occupational stress and determine the factors that may cause it.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers at a university hospital, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire solicited information on participants' demographic data including the Workplace Stress Scale, questions on their relationships with colleagues, lack of equipment, job insecurity at the workplace, changing shift patterns, job satisfaction, availability of time to rest and relax, social and family problems, responsibilities, social support, rational/cognitive coping, doctor-patient relationship, and role overload. SPSS was used for data analysis; initial analysis included descriptive statistics, and t-test chi-square test. Multiple linear regression analysis used to identify factors associated with workplace stress.

About 78% of the participants were 25-35 years old, 54% were males, and 60% were physicians. Working a shift reduced the job stress index by a statistically significant amount. However, longer working hours, higher education, and having many children contributed to higher job stress; in terms of severity, a good educational level and having many children marginally increased the risk whereas having shifts decreased the job stress. In terms of the absence of organizational support, it was discovered that having many children, a high educational level, and long working hours per day boosted it, although working a shift had a negative correlation.

There is a need for continued administrative assistance and appropriate training programs to deal with potentially stressful situations at health facilities.