Prevalence and associated factors of stress among primary health care nurses in Saudi Arabia, a multi-center study

BACKGROUND: Nursing practice has been identified as one of the most stressful professions within the healthcare systems. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of stress and its associated factors among primary healthcare nurses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 Saudi nurses in the government primary health care centers in Medina city, Saudi Arabia. Stress was measured by the stress subscale of the 21-Item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Sources of stress were assessed by 15 items. RESULTS: The majority were females (68.0%) and aged less than 40 years (72.5%). Thirty percent had severe or very severe stress. Stress was associated significantly with the presence of chronic diseases (P = 0.037) and with working in night shifts (P = 0.042). All sources of stress in the workplace were associated significantly and positively with stress (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: About one-third of the participants had stress. Improving work conditions and minimizing stress in the workplace should be a priority in the primary health care setting.