Effect of perceived stress and coping abilities on health of nurses

Editor's Note

The combined influence of stress perception and perceived coping abilities affect the health and work performance of nurses, this study finds.

Of 120 nurses surveyed, in general:

• 92% had moderate-to-very high stress levels
• 78% slept less than 8 hours per night
• 69% did not exercise regularly
• 63% consumed less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day
• 22% were classified as binge drinkers.

When asked about workplace stress, 70% said they consumed more junk food, and 63% noted that they consumed more food than usual as a way of coping.

Those in the “high stress/poor coping” group had the poorest health outcomes and highest health risk behaviors.

Worksite health promotion and disease prevention initiatives for nurses should focus on developing policies, systems, and work environments that facilitate healthy behaviors, the authors say.

Stress and coping abilities influence the health and work performance of nurses. However, little is known about the combined influence of stress perception and perceived coping adequacy and its impact on the health of nurses. This study examined the relationship ...