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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 13, No. 1, 2008, pp. 34-36
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Bioline Code: js08006
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 13, No. 1, 2008, pp. 34-36
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Stress and Harassment among Theatre Nurses at the University Teaching Hospital in Zambia
Munthali, J.; Bowa, K. & Odimba, B.F.K.
Abstract
Background: The study was undertaken to determine whether occupational stress is a problem among theatre nurses in Zambia.
Methods: A total of 75 theatre nurses where asked to answer a self administered questionnaire on stress.
Results: Nearly all (98%) of the nurses admitted to stress being a major problem in their job. The major causes of stress were identified as being low pay, heavy work load and the surgeons. Overall, 84% of them felt that the single main source of stress was low pay while 29% attributed their stress to the surgeons as being their major cause of work place stress. Personal harassment by the surgeons was reported by 75% of theatre nurses. The nurses identified verbal abuse by surgeons to be the main form of stress experienced. Sixty eight percent of nurses said that stress had resulted in some form of physical illness.
Recommendation: More emphasis in surgical training programs is required on etiquette and attitude towards theatre staff. The Medical Council and Surgical Society should take a more active in educating surgeons and protecting nursing staff in order to reduce work place stress.
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© Copyright 2008 - East and Central African Journal of Surgery
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