Psychosomatic symptoms and stressful working conditions among Palestinian nurses: a cross-sectional study. Issue 4 (28th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jaradat, Yousef; Nijem, Khaldoun; Lien, Lars; Stigum, Hein; Bjertness, Espen; Bast-Pettersen, Rita
• Is Part Of: Contemporary nurse. Volume 52:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 381
• Page End: 397
• Publication Date: 2016-06-28
• Subjects: nurses -- psychosomatic symptoms -- stressful working conditions -- gender differences; Nursing -- Periodicals -- Australia -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Nurses -- Australia -- Periodicals; 610.730994
• DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2016.1188018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1037-6178

Abstract

Abstract : Background: High levels of perceived stressful working conditions have been found to have an adverse effect on physical and mental health. Objectives: To examine the associations between self-reported stressful working conditions and Psychosomatic Symptoms (PSS), and to investigate possible gender differences. Methods: The present cross-sectional study comprises 430 nurses employed in Hebron district, Palestine. Self-reported stressful working conditions were recorded, and a Psychosomatic Symptoms Check list was used to assess prevalence of PSS. Findings: Median score on the psychosomatic symptom checklist for the group was 11, (range 1–21). Women reported more symptoms than men, with medians 11.6 and 10.0, respectively ( p = .0001). PSS were associated with more self-reported stressful working conditions for both men ( p < .0001) and women ( p < .0001). The association was strongest among men. Conclusions: PSS were associated with high self-reported stressful working conditions, and this association was strongest among the men.