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Antczak-Komoterska A, Haor B, Malinowska M, Grzelak L, Biercewicz M, Kochman D, Krajewska K, Filipska-Blejder K, Wiśniewski A, Ślusarz R. Analysis of the Level of Stress and Methods of Coping with Stress among the Nursing Staff. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:1318-1330. [PMID: 37755354 PMCID: PMC10536720 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13030111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In general, "stress" is the reaction of the body to mental and physical demands placed on it. Stress disrupts mental balance, and reduces the ability to work and function, which negatively affects the performance of duties. The aim of this study was to analyse the level of stress and ways of coping with it among nursing staff. The study covered 220 nurses employed at the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Włocławek. The research tool was the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Brief-COPE. The results of this survey showed the occurrence of average and high levels of experiencing stress in 36% and 40%of staff, respectively. Brief-COPE scale results show that substance use/gender (men) and use of emotional support/place of work (internal medicine department) are significant at p < 0.01. Considering the impact of the workplace on the use of psychoactive substances, it can be seenthat people working in the surgical ward are more likely to use psychoactive substances. Furthermore, nurses in the surgical ward find it easier to think and plan what to do when faced with a difficult life situation. Most often, the respondents with the highest work experience, i.e., the elderly, declared a return to religion. The results of the research indicate that the nursing community experiences stress to an average or significant degree. The strategies are mainly based on active coping and seeking emotional and instrumental support. Further research is needed in this field. This study was not pre-registered on a publicly accessibly registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Antczak-Komoterska
- Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Applied Sciences in Wloclawek, 87-800 Wloclawek, Poland; (M.M.); (L.G.); (D.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Beata Haor
- Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.H.); (K.F.-B.); (R.Ś.)
| | - Mariola Malinowska
- Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Applied Sciences in Wloclawek, 87-800 Wloclawek, Poland; (M.M.); (L.G.); (D.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Lech Grzelak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Applied Sciences in Wloclawek, 87-800 Wloclawek, Poland; (M.M.); (L.G.); (D.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Monika Biercewicz
- Department of Geriatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Dorota Kochman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Applied Sciences in Wloclawek, 87-800 Wloclawek, Poland; (M.M.); (L.G.); (D.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Karolina Krajewska
- Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Applied Sciences in Wloclawek, 87-800 Wloclawek, Poland; (M.M.); (L.G.); (D.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Karolina Filipska-Blejder
- Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.H.); (K.F.-B.); (R.Ś.)
| | - Adam Wiśniewski
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Robert Ślusarz
- Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Science, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (B.H.); (K.F.-B.); (R.Ś.)
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Halamová J, Kanovský M, Strnádelová B, Baránková M, Greškovičová K. The development of the revised COPE 68 inventory with English and Slovak versions. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1202571. [PMID: 37457085 PMCID: PMC10344452 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1202571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although there have been several attempts at improving the COPE Inventory, the factor structure of the instrument is still in dispute. In addition, studies have shown low reliability coefficients for some of the first-order factors, with Mental Disengagement having the lowest factor loadings. In a recent study on the external validation of the instrument, two additional first-order factors were identified in the qualitative analysis, namely Self-care and Care for Others. Methods Based on these arguments we created the Revised COPE 68 Inventory, changing some of the problematic items in the first order factor Mental Disengagement and adding items for the two new factors (Self-care and Care for Others). We then tested its reliability and performed factor analyses on the first and second-order factorial structure. The data were collected through social media in two languages, English and Slovak, using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The English sample contained 834 participants with mean age 25.27 years (SD = 8.467) and the Slovak sample comprised 1,425 participants with mean age 33 years (SD = 14.59). For the statistical analyses we used Exploratory Structural Equation Model (ESEM) analyses with target rotation and WLSMV, Exploratory and second-order confirmatory factor analysis with the scores of the COPE Inventory and EFA. Results The Revised COPE 68 inventory had a good fit for all 17 first-order factors in both languages, including for the new factors Self-care and Care for Others. It appears that the first-order factors form a three-factor solution in both samples, consisting of active coping, social-emotional coping and avoidant coping. The revised Mental Disengagement has better psychometric properties as well. Discussion The Revised COPE 68 inventory was found to be a reliable multidimensional instrument for measuring various coping strategies in both the English and Slovak language versions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Halamová
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kanovský
- Institute of Social Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Bronislava Strnádelová
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martina Baránková
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Greškovičová
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Iddrisu M, Poku CA, Mensah E, Attafuah PYA, Dzansi G, Adjorlolo S. Work-related psychosocial challenges and coping strategies among nursing workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:210. [PMID: 37337228 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nurses and midwives have been stretched by the COVID-19 pandemic amidst the heroic roles they have played during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses stood tall among their peers in the healthcare industry saving lives. The pandemic has had a toll on nurses physically, psychologically, and socio-economically. The numerous deaths have traumatized nurses coupled with the fear of possible infection. Nurses have seen their colleagues and loved ones lose their lives to the pandemic, nevertheless, they still render care to patients no matter the circumstances. Due to that, it is imperative to ascertain the extent to which nurses who are much needed in healthcare delivery have been affected by this pandemic. This scoping review used Arksey and O'Malley's review methodology to investigate the nature of work-related psychosocial challenges nurses encountered during the peak of the pandemic, noting the major contributors to the challenges and the coping strategies used to address them. METHODS We performed a scoping review and searched for articles from five databases including PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Grey literature from December 2019 to December 2021. A total of 7,334 articles were retrieved for the study but 45 met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Work-related psychosocial challenges identified included stress, burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Factors that accounted for the challenges were inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs), discomfort using the PPEs, extreme workload, and fatigue. Nurses experienced job insecurity, business closure, and separation from family and loved ones, and these contributed to their challenges. Strategies used to deal with the challenges centred on emotion-focused and problem-focused coping. CONCLUSIONS The study recommends regular counselling and support for all nurses working at the frontline to help them better cope with the devastating effects of the pandemic so that they could build resilience towards future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merri Iddrisu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Collins Atta Poku
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Nursing, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Eva Mensah
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Gladys Dzansi
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adjorlolo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Gu L, Chang J, Wang J, Feng P, Xu H. Stress load of Chinese nurses in Fangcang Shelter Hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A latent profile analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1048358. [PMID: 36703822 PMCID: PMC9873243 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1048358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected Shanghai, China, from March to June 2022. Numbers of Fangcang Shelter Hospitals (FSHs) were conversed from stadiums and exhibition centers to tackle the pandemic. This study aimed to identify the stress load profiles of nurses working in FSHs and explore the characteristics and factors influencing stress load profiles. Totally, 609 out of 700 FSH nurses (with an effective response rate of 87%) participated in an online survey investigating their socio-demographic information, work-related stressors, and stress load. Results of the latent profile analysis identified four classes of stress load, which were labeled as the low (Class 1), mild (Class 2), moderate (Class 3), and high (Class 4) stress load class. Maternity status and self-perceived health condition were significantly different between the four stress load classes by comparisons using the Chi-square test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The contributors to the stress load profiles were determined by the multinomial logistic regression analysis, including age, education, maternity status, self-perceived health condition, working time in FSHs, and the four dimensions of work-related stressors. Participants who were less healthy (OR = 0.045, 95% CI:0.012,0.171), worked longer time in FSHs (OR = 40.483, 95% CI: 12.103,135.410), faced with more workload (OR = 3.664, 95% CI: 1.047,12.815), and worse working environment (OR = 12.274, 95% CI: 3.029,49.729) were more likely to be classified to the high stress load class. The task arrangement and working environment for FSH nurses should be optimized, and psychological training should be conducted routinely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Gu
- Department of Neurology, 905th Hospital of the PLA Navy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Chang
- Nursing Department, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jian Chang ✉
| | - Ji Wang
- Nursing Department, 905th Hospital of the PLA Navy, Shanghai, China,Ji Wang ✉
| | - Ping Feng
- Nursing Department, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Lang X, Wang Q, Huang S, Feng D, Ding F, Wang W. Relations among perceived stress, fatigue, and sleepiness, and their effects on the ambulatory arterial stiffness index in medical staff: A cross-sectional study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1010647. [PMID: 36389608 PMCID: PMC9652142 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1010647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the relations among perceived stress, fatigue, sleepiness, and the pathway of their effects on the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) among medical staff. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Wuhan, China. Perceived stress, fatigue, and sleepiness were measured using the perceived stress scale (PSS), Fatigue assessment scale (FAS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively. AASI was obtained from 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Path analysis was used to clarify the relations among the PSS, FAS, and ESS scores, and their relations to AASI values. Results A total of 153 participants were included herein. The PSS and FAS correlated with the ESS (r = 0.424, p < 0.001), and the PSS correlated with the FAS (r = 0.614, p < 0.001). In addition, the ESS correlated with the AASI (r = 0.225, p = 0.005). According to the path analysis results, the PSS and FAS had no direct effect on the AASI, but did have an indirect effect on this index (β = 0.059, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.017-0.128, p = 0.005; β = 0.059, 95%CI = 0.016-0.135, p = 0.006, respectively) by influencing the ESS (β = 0.263, β = 0.262, p = 0.004). Conclusion Sleepiness was a mediator of the effects of perceived stress and fatigue on AASI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Lang
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Quan Wang
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sufang Huang
- Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,*Correspondence: Sufang Huang,
| | - Danni Feng
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengfei Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Fudan University Basic Medicine College, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Tongji Hospital Affiliated with Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Cebolla A, Galiana L, Navarrete J, Alvear D, Garrote E, Sansó N, Carmona JV, Juan M, Blasco ML. Wellbeing Training Based on Contemplative Practices in a Sample of Intensive Care and Homecare Professionals: A Pilot and Feasibility Non-Randomized Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13137. [PMID: 36293716 PMCID: PMC9603612 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive care unit (ICU) and homecare unit professionals are susceptible to higher levels of stress and burnout than other healthcare professionals, which has an impact on their well-being, and in turn on their patients. In terms of data, there is not much research about the effects of psychological interventions on ICU and homecare professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Wellbeing Training based on Contemplative Practices (WTCP) for the increase of psychological functioning in a sample of ICU and homecare professionals. METHODS A pilot and feasibility non-randomized clinical trial was conducted. Participants in the WTCP group (n = 19) attended an at-work 8-session/2 h group WTCP program aimed at directly training four basic skills: (a) sustained positive emotions, (b) recovery from negative emotions, (c) pro-social behavior and generosity, and (d) mind wandering, mindfulness, and "affective stickiness". Nineteen professionals were allocated in the control group. RESULTS Results indicated that WTCP had a positive impact on self-compassion, personal accomplishment (burnout), and frequency of negative emotions. Moreover, a thematic analysis of participant interviews (n = 14) was conducted. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results are promising, though future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of WTCP using randomized controlled trial methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ausiàs Cebolla
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Galiana
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaime Navarrete
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - David Alvear
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of the Basque Country-UPV/EHU, 48940 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Elena Garrote
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Noemí Sansó
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma, Spain
- Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IDISBA), 07120 Palma, Spain
| | - José V Carmona
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Juan
- Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María L Blasco
- Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Stefanowicz-Bielska A, Słomion M, Rąpała M. Analysis of Strategies for Managing Stress by Polish Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10102008. [PMID: 36292455 PMCID: PMC9601545 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10102008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is having a negative impact on the mental health of nurses around the world. The aim of the study was to assess the sense of fear and the degree of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to estimate the influence of various factors on the fear of SARS-CoV-2. We analysed methods and strategies for coping with stress used by Polish nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey, which included a self-constructed questionnaire and a standardized psychological questionnaire: Brief-Cope. RESULTS A total of 361 nurses confirmed their participation in the study. Most of the nurses were ages 31 to 50 (48.2%), lived in a city (83.7%), and had a master's degree in nursing (45.7%). Nurses ≥ 51 years of age, with ≥ 21 years of work experience and with secondary education in nursing and master of nursing were more likely than other nurses to agree with the statement, I am afraid of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 (appropriately p = 0.009, p = 0.007, p = 0.014). During the outbreak of COVID-19, nurses most often took action to improve the situation, reflecting on and planning what to do. The most frequent means of coping with stress by Polish nurses during the COVID-19 outbreak were problem-focused strategies. The least frequent strategy was the use of substances (taking substances to alleviate unpleasant emotions), considered to be the least effective, but useful in some situations. CONCLUSIONS Most nurses were afraid of being infected with COVID-19. The most frequently used strategies for coping with stress by Polish nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic were problem-focused strategies. Nurses should receive psychological support and assistance from the employer in improving their working conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stefanowicz-Bielska
- Division of Internal and Pediatric Nursing, Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences with the Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Magdalena Słomion
- Division of Internal and Pediatric Nursing, Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences with the Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Rąpała
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Marciniak Hospital, 50-041 Wroclaw, Poland
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Iwanowicz-Palus G, Mróz M, Kowalczuk K, Szlendak B, Bień A, Cybulski M. Nurses Coping with Stressful Situations-A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10924. [PMID: 36078637 PMCID: PMC9518392 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nursing belongs to the group of professions particularly exposed to stress. Since the ability to cope with stress is an important aspect of mental health, the aim of this study was to identify the types of nurses' behaviours in terms of different coping styles used when dealing with work-related and psychosocial stress. The study was conducted among 1223 Polish nurses by means of a diagnostic survey, using the Coping in Stressful Situations Questionnaire (CISS), the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and a questionnaire of the author's own design. Three types of nurses were distinguished: Type 1 (non-harmonious/organised)-nurses with lower professional education, longer work experience, at least average severity of stress related to working conditions, the lowest GSES scores, and worse psychophysical condition, who focused on their own emotional state when faced with stressful situations. Type 2 (harmonious)-nurses with higher education, the lowest intensity of work-related stresses, the highest GSES scores, positive self-reported psycho-physical condition, most often using the task-oriented coping style in stressful situations. Type 3 (non-harmonious/disorganised)-nurses with shorter length of service in the profession, the highest intensity of work-related stress, average GSES scores, and poorer self-reported psycho-physical condition. The presented results may provide a basis for preventive measures to minimise stress and increase competence in coping strategies, thus contributing to improved psychological and physical well-being of nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grażyna Iwanowicz-Palus
- Chair of Obstetrics Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 4-6 Staszica St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariola Mróz
- Chair of Obstetrics Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 4-6 Staszica St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Krystyna Kowalczuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-096 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Beata Szlendak
- Center of Postgraduate Education for Nurses and Midwives, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bień
- Chair of Obstetrics Development, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, 4-6 Staszica St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Cybulski
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-096 Bialystok, Poland
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9
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Kowalczuk K, Shpakou A, Hermanowicz JM, Krajewska-Kułak E, Sobolewski M. Strategies for Coping With Stress Used by Nurses in Poland and Belarus During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:867148. [PMID: 35573328 PMCID: PMC9091959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.867148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stress is an inseparable element of nurses' work. It is also the cause of wellbeing disorders and the source of various diseases. The wellbeing and health of nurses has a direct impact on the quality of care and health outcomes for patients. An appropriate stress coping strategy can reduce the impact of stress and mitigate its negative consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially in its initial period, was a source of enormous additional stress for nurses. In Poland and Belarus: two neighboring countries with common history and similar culture, the authorities took a completely different approach to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. AIM The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare how nurses in Poland and Belarus cope with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHOD The cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 nurses working in hospital in Bialystok, Poland (158) and in Grodno, Belarus (126). Mini-Cope inventory - the polish adaptation of Carver's BriefCope was used for measuring coping with stress. RESULTS Only 17.5% of Belarusian nurses were tested for the presence of the virus and only 4.8% were infected, while in Poland it was 50.6 and 31.0%, respectively. The most frequent used coping strategies were active strategies (active coping, planning) and the least-used were avoidance strategies (behavioral disengagement, substance use) in both countries. Polish nurses significantly more often than Belorussian used support-seeking/emotion-oriented strategies, as well as avoidance strategies. No differences were found for active coping strategies between the both groups. Contact with a patient infected with the SARS-CoV2 virus did not influence the choice of stress coping strategies by nurses in both countries. Staying in quarantine or home isolation favored more active coping strategies, especially in the case of Belarusian nurses. Taking a SARS-CoV-2 test did not statistically differentiate the choice of coping strategies in the Belarusian group. In the Polish group, nurses with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result used both use of instrumental support and use of emotional support strategies less frequently. SARS-CoV-2 virus infection did not statistically differentiated how stressful situations were handled in Polish group. CONCLUSIONS Polish and Belorussian nurses used similar strategies to cope with stress in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The social and demographic differences between Polish and Belorussian nurses differentiated the choice of coping strategies among the respondents to a greater extent than the completely different approach of the media and authorities to the COVID-19 pandemic in the two countries. The threat of the COVID-19 pandemic does not affect the choice of stress coping strategies by nurses in Poland and Belarus. Being in quarantine or home isolation favored the use of active coping strategies among Belorussian nurses. Polish nurses, on the other hand, were more likely to turn to religion after being quarantined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Kowalczuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Andrei Shpakou
- Department of Theory of Physical Culture and Sport Medicine, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, Grodno, Belarus
| | - Justyna M Hermanowicz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Marek Sobolewski
- Faculty of Management, Rzeszow University of Technology, Rzeszow, Poland
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Gębska M, Kołodziej Ł, Dalewski B, Pałka Ł, Sobolewska E. The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Stress Levels and Occurrence of Stomatoghnatic System Disorders (SSDs) among Physiotherapy Students in Poland. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173872. [PMID: 34501318 PMCID: PMC8432109 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study is a quantitative analysis examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of stress and stomatognathic system disorders (SSDs) among students of physiotherapy. Objective: To assess stress severity, strategies of coping with stress and the presence of type D personality among physiotherapy students including those with symptoms of stomatognathic system disorders. Material and Methods: The research was conducted from October to December 2020 on a sample of 188 students of physiotherapy. The data were collected using a survey form related to the occurrence of SS disorders symptoms and standardized psychological questionnaires, such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-10, Mini-Cope, and the type-D Scale (DS14), developed for the purpose of this study. Results: Women experiencing at least one of the SS disorder-related symptoms were characterized by a significantly higher level of stress and a type D personality (p < 0.05). Among men, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). On the basis of the strategies of coping with stress, i.e., positive self-reevaluation, discharging and blaming oneself, and taking psychoactive substances, it is possible to predict the intensity of stress during the pandemic in the group of the examined students. Among the reported symptoms of SS, headache was a significant predictor of stress, which was accompanied by an increase in the intensity of stress by nearly 0.2 measurement points. Students with higher levels of stress showed more symptoms of type D personality, and those with more severe symptoms of SS showed higher levels of stress. Conclusions: People prone to stress and having type D personality traits should be assessed for the presence of SS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Gębska
- Department of Rehabilitation Musculoskeletal System, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (M.G.); (Ł.K.)
| | - Łukasz Kołodziej
- Department of Rehabilitation Musculoskeletal System, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (M.G.); (Ł.K.)
| | - Bartosz Dalewski
- Department of Dental Prosthetics, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Łukasz Pałka
- Private Dental Practice, 68-200 Żary, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-608882535
| | - Ewa Sobolewska
- Department of Dental Prosthetics, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (B.D.); (E.S.)
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