PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related stress is considered a global epidemic, being the only occupational risk that can affect the health of 100% of workers. Objective: To evaluate the level of stress perceived by nurses in Primary Health Care, based on the socio-demographic profile, work variables and work environmental conditions. Materials and methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional study with 105 Primary Health Care workers, nurses and nursing technicians of a city in south central Chile. Data were collected with an instrument divided in: “Biosociodemographic background” and “Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ)”. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and chi-square. The research was approved by the Committee on Scientific Ethics of the Universidad Católica del Maule and the Health Service of the Maule Region. The ethical principles of E. Emanuel were considered throughout the study. Results: 23.6% of participants perceived a high level of stress. There are statistically significant relations (p?0.05) between biosociodemographic variables (age and number of children), work variables (position and experience in years) and work environmental conditions (lighting, temp erature, noise, among others). Conclusions: Workers from the nursing team perceive stress while doing their job. In addition, a statistical relationship can be established between stress and work environment. Organizations are therefore encouraged to supervise the work environment in order to reduce the percentage of workers at risk of altering their health due to work stress.