Assessment of Occupational Stress Among Healthcare Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study at Maiwand Teaching Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69930/fsst.v2i2.558Keywords:
Occupational stress, healthcare personnel, HSE questionnaire, maiwand teaching hospital, stress managementAbstract
Occupational stress is a critical concern among healthcare personnel, as it directly affects both their psychological well-being and the overall quality of patient care. Excessive stress may lead to burnout, decreased job performance, and adverse emotional outcomes. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of occupational stress is therefore essential for developing effective intervention strategies. This study aimed to assess the level of occupational stress among healthcare personnel at Maiwand Teaching Hospital in 1404 H.S. (2025 Gregorian calendar) and examine variations across demographic and professional characteristics, including gender, age, marital status, department, education level, and years of experience. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and a total of 174 healthcare personnel were selected through simple random sampling, with 168 completing the standardized HSE Job Stress Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and findings were presented through descriptive statistics and graphical illustrations. The results revealed that 78% of participants experienced moderate stress, 20.8% reported low stress, and only 1.2% experienced high stress. Higher stress levels were more common among males, younger staff, nurses, and personnel in high-intensity departments, particularly the ICU. While moderate stress was also observed among staff in the Dermatology Department, the number of respondents reporting high stress in this department was minimal (0.6%), suggesting that workload and patient volume may contribute to moderate but not severe stress levels. Marital status, educational attainment, and professional experience also influenced stress distribution patterns. In conclusion, occupational stress remains a prevalent issue among healthcare personnel, with the majority experiencing moderate stress. Targeted interventions—such as stress management training, improved workload distribution, and enhanced professional support systems—are recommended to foster a healthier work environment and improve both staff well-being and healthcare delivery quality.
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