A Comparative Study to Assess the Level of Stress and Coping Strategies Among Staff Nurses Working in Psychiatric Hospital and Multispecialty Hospital in Dindigul District

Abstract

Background: Nurses working in psychiatric and multi-specialty hospital settings often face high levels of work-related stress due to factors such as work overload, time pressure, and difficulty maintaining relationships. This comparative study aimed to assess and compare the levels of stress and coping strategies among nurses in these two distinct healthcare environments. Methods: A comparative research design was used. A total of 60 staff nurses, 30 each from a psychiatric hospital and a multi-specialty hospital, were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The Work Stress Scale and the Brief COPE Inventory were used to assess the level of stress and coping strategies, respectively. Demographic data, level of stress, and coping strategies were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results showed that 66.7% of nurses in the psychiatric hospital and 50% of nurses in the multi-specialty hospital experienced moderate levels of stress. Severe stress was reported by 30% of nurses in the psychiatric hospital and 40% of nurses in the multi-specialty hospital. Regarding coping strategies, 60% of nurses in the psychiatric hospital reported high levels of coping, while 53.3% of nurses in the multi-specialty hospital reported low levels of coping. A significant negative correlation was found between stress and coping strategies among nurses in the psychiatric hospital (r = -0.4383, p < 0.001), but not among nurses in the multi-specialty hospital (r = -0.3629, p = 0.26). Discussion: The findings suggest that nurses in both psychiatric and multi-specialty hospital settings experience significant work-related stress, with nurses in the multi-specialty hospital reporting slightly higher levels of severe stress. The differences in coping strategies between the two groups may be attributed to factors such as the nature of the work environment, availability of support systems, and individual coping mechanisms. These results highlight the need for tailored interventions to support the well-being of nurses in these distinct healthcare environments, with a focus on enhancing coping strategies and addressing the unique challenges faced by nurses in each setting. Conclusion: Nurses in both psychiatric and multi-specialty hospital settings experience significant work-related stress, with nurses in the multi-specialty hospital reporting slightly higher levels of severe stress. The differences in coping strategies between the two groups suggest the need for tailored interventions to support the well-being of nurses in these distinct healthcare environments.