DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTED STRESS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC (IN RELATION TO THE WORKPLACE)
Keywords:
stress, health workers, COVID-19 pandemic 1Abstract
Purpose: With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased business engagement
of all health workers. Due to the work of health workers with people infected with coronavirus, there is a possibility
of daily infection. However, in addition to the consequences of the physical health of the COVID-19 pandemic, it
leaves the consequences for the mental health of health workers as well. Methodology: 107 respondents divided into
four sub-samples participated in the study: doctors of medicine, nurses, masters of pharmacy and other medical
workers: laboratory technician, pharmaceutical technician, therapist, radiologist, anesthesiologist and others.
Respondents are employed in medical institutions in the canton of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. For research
purposes, a standardized Perceived stress scale made up of 10 questions was used. Results: The results of the
research indicate that in all subjects (physicians, nurses, masters of pharmacy, medical workers) during the COVID-
19 pandemic, there was increased stress in the workplace. Significant differences have been identified in the
responses of nurses and pharmacists and other medical workers, where nurses have highlighted the ability to cope
with situations that must be made to monitor a possible infection. Differences were found in responses between
nurses and medical workers, where nurses pointed out that they could almost never fully control the situation related
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: In all health workers regardless of the position they were engaged during
the COVID-19 pandemic, moderate stress was perceived. Recommendations: It is of great importance to monitor
stress among healthcare professionals during the pandemic because stress causes long-term consequences for the
mental health of health professionals, and prevents the provision of proper health care and care of health
professionals about their patients.
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