Coping strategies among nurses in South-west Ethiopia: descriptive, institution-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe coping strategies for job stress among nurses working in Jimma Zone public hospitals, South-west Ethiopia. The study conducted from March to April 2014 through census using English version structured self-administered questionnaire. RESULT: This study indicated percentage mean overall score of 65.07% for adaptive coping approach and 56.86% for a maladaptive approach. Nurses mostly used coping strategy were; just concentrating on what they have to do, make a plan of action and following it, developing coworker/peer support, and having a close friend to tell. While, coping strategy that least used among nurses were; do not want to come to work when stressed, directly expressing anger on family or friends, trying to feel better by taking drinks like tea, coffee, soft drinks more than usual and accept the situation because there is nothing to do. In summary, an adaptive approach was dominant style; social support and plan-full problem solving were the most preferred strategies. While escape-avoidance coping strategy least used. Further researches need to be conducted to explore its predictors. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3557-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.