APPRAISEMENT OF JOB STRESS AMONG NURSES AT BOWEN UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The increasing stress among nurses worldwide is driven by multiple workplace factors such as high patient acuity, prolonged working hours, understaffing, exposure to traumatic events, and heightened emotional demands. This study aimed to assess the level of job stress among nurses at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, using the Job Demand-Control (JDC) Model as the guiding framework. The study population comprised all registered nurses at the hospital, and a stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 121 participants based on Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire, pretested among 12 nurses at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.780. Analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. The findings revealed that most respondents were females 94(77.7%), aged 20–30 years 55(45.5%), and predominantly married 76(62.8%). Major sources of job stress included high patient-to-nurse ratios 69(57.0%), excessive workload 47(38.8%), long working hours 56(46.3%), and frequent understaffing 76(62.8%). Financial delays 38(31.4%) and poor relationships with colleagues 35(28.9%) also contributed to stress. The overall job stress level was high, with 97(80.2%) experiencing fatigue, frustration, and difficulty coping. Stress significantly affected well-being, as 101(83.5%) reported physical symptoms, sleep disturbance, and emotional exhaustion. Coping strategies included seeking social support 56(46.3%), practicing relaxation 70(57.9%), and engaging in exercise 48(39.7%). The study concludes that job stress among nurses is considerably high, impacting their well-being and job performance. The hospital management should implement structured stress management programs, ensure adequate staffing, provide supportive supervision, and promote regular counseling and peer support initiatives.