Occupational stress, Coping strategies and Depression among nurses in Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Abstract

Nurses are continually exposed to occupational stress and this often results in depression. The study examined the relationship between occupational stress, coping strategies and depression among nurses in Mulago National Referral Hospital. This study therefore examined the relationships between occupational stress, coping strategies, and depression among nurses at Mulago National Referral Hospital. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed. The study involved 277 nurses selected using random sampling from various hospital departments. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires, including the Nurses’ Occupational Stressor Scale (NOSS), the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Results indicated that workload was the most prominent source of occupational stress (mean = 16.98), while avoidance was the most frequently used coping strategy (mean = 22.08). Physical symptoms were the most prevalent manifestation of depression among nurses (mean = 6.68). Occupational stress was found to have a significant positive relationship with depression (r = 0.224, p < 0.001), and coping strategies were significantly related to depression (r = 0.201, p < 0.01). However, no significant relationship was found between occupational stress and coping strategies. Mediation analysis revealed that coping strategies did not significantly mediate the relationship between occupational stress and depression. These findings suggest that occupational stress exert a direct effect on depression, commonly used coping strategies insufficient in high-demand hospital settings. The study recommends institutions to focus on reducing workplace stressors, improving staffing levels, and strengthening mental health support services for nurses.