Perceived stress, stress coping strategies, and post-traumatic-growth among healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic

Nurs Open. 2023 Jul;10(7):4868-4879. doi: 10.1002/nop2.1739. Epub 2023 Apr 4.

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this research was to identify the perceived stress, stress coping strategies, and Post-Traumatic-Growth (PTG) among Iranian healthcare professionals.

Design: A cross-sectional study was applied.

Methods: This study was conducted among 402 healthcare professionals in northwestern Iran. Participants completed demographic, perceived stress, stress coping strategies, and PTG questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was employed to identify the predictors of perceived stress and PTG.

Results: The overall score of perceived stress was calculated 30.55 (6.18). The problem-oriented strategy was the most common stress coping by healthcare professionals (52.66 (8.72)). Also, the total score of PTG was calculated at 45.72 (30.42). Perceived stress, stress coping strategies (except problem-oriented), and PTG scores were significantly different between hospital and health centres participants (p-value < 0.05). Previous experience in critical situations, crisis-related course, degree, age, department, and stress coping strategies were related to the stress level. Moreover, workplace, department, work experiences, and employment status were the predictors of PTG.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; health centre; hospital; perceived stress; post-traumatic-growth; stress coping strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • COVID-19*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Humans
  • Iran
  • Pandemics
  • Stress, Psychological