Relationship between Perceived stress and Quality of life among Psychiatric Nurses Working at Selected National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

The harsh nature of psychiatric hospital working settings, assignment of job responsibilities, tight, inflexible work schedules, limited personnel, and variable patient requirements, among other factors, contribute to the recurrence of stress among psychiatric nurses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and the quality of life among psychiatric nurses at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (MNTRH), Nairobi, Kenya. The study objectives were to evaluate the relationship between perceived stress and quality of life. A quantitative approach with a correlational design was used to conduct the study using a census sampling with a sample size of 120 psychiatric nurses. The sample included both male and female aged between 21 and 60 years. The Perceived Self Stress Scale, WHOQOL-BREF tools were used to collect data. SPSS V 29 was used in data analysis. The relationship between perceived stress and quality of life was established using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The findings showed that the perceived stress levels were moderate (82.8%). The quality of life was moderate across the four domains. Correlational analysis revealed that perceived stress had a moderately strong negative significant (p < 0.05) correlation to the general life, physical health, psychological health, social, and environmental domains. A strong positive correlation was also reported between the domains. It can be concluded that the general life and health, physical and psychological factors are better in the assessment of quality of life among the psychiatric nurses. The study findings inform recommendations on improving working conditions to enhance the overall well-being of psychiatric nurses.