Factors Related to Stress in Nursing Staffs at Emergency Department During COVID-19 Pandemic at a University Hospital in Bangkok
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60099/jtnmc.v39i01.266648Keywords:
factors, stress, nursing staff, emergency department, COVID-19Abstract
Introduction The recent COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges in delivering healthcare services, particularly by nursing staff in emergency care units responsible for urgent patient care and serving as the front line of hospitals. This has led to increased stress in the workplace. Additionally, various contributing factors may mutually impact and elevate stress levels, affecting the overall health of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care.
Objectives To investigate stress levels and factors related to the stress in nursing staff at emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design A descriptive correlational design.
Methodology This study focused on a population of professional nurses and practical nurses working in the emergency department of a university hospital in Bangkok, with a total of 118 participants. Data were collected from December 2022 to February 2023 through self-administered questionnaires, including 1) personal information, 2) factors related to the stress, developed by the researchers through a literature review, and 3) the stress assessment tool from the Department of Mental Health, verified by three experts, resulting in a content validity index of 1. The reliability of the instrument was tested in 30 nurses in a different setting with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .93 and .96, respectively. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient.
Results The emergency department nursing staff comprised 118 individuals, predominantly female (90.7%). The average age was 30.34 years (SD = 7.03). The majority held nursing positions (58.5%), were single (79.7%), and had a median work experience in the emergency department of 5.5 years. The median monthly income was 30,000 Baht, with approximately half reporting insufficient income (50.8%). Most worked 41-49 hours per week (71.2%). All staff had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The average stress level among emergency department nursing staff was classified as severe. Factors positively related to stress included changes in work conditions and systems (r=.533, p<.001), fear of infection or spread of COVID-19 (r=.408, p<.001), economic strain due to decreased income (r=.431, p<.001), changes in the work environment (r=.401, p<.001), moral distress in caring for COVID-19 patients (r=.595, p<.001), adapting to a new normal (r=.527, p<.001), and communication and coordination (r=.587, p<.001).
Recommendation The findings of this study can be utilized by administrators to develop stress management guidelines, providing support to emergency department nursing staff as they navigate their responsibilities amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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