Background of the Study
Nursing is a high-stress profession that involves exposure to numerous workplace hazards, including physical demands, emotional stress from patient care, and potential risks of infection and violence. These hazards contribute to significant psychological strain, manifesting as anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Adebayo & Ibrahim, 2024). The psychological well-being of nurses is essential not only for their health but also for the quality of care they provide to patients.
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, is a major healthcare facility serving a large and diverse population. Nurses working in this institution face a variety of workplace hazards, from exposure to infectious diseases to the emotional toll of dealing with critically ill patients. Despite this, there is limited research on the psychological impact of these hazards on nurses within the Zaria region. Understanding how workplace hazards affect nurses’ mental health is critical for developing effective interventions and support systems to mitigate these impacts.
Workplace hazards, including the risk of needle-stick injuries, exposure to infectious diseases, and the emotional strain of patient care, are known to contribute to high levels of stress, burnout, and mental health disorders in nurses (Durojaiye et al., 2024). This study seeks to explore how these hazards impact the psychological well-being of nurses at ABUTH, Zaria, and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing support systems.
Statement of the Problem
Nurses at ABUTH, Zaria, are frequently exposed to both physical and psychological workplace hazards. The stress associated with patient care, along with the risk of infections, violence, and emotional exhaustion, can negatively affect their mental health. This may lead to increased absenteeism, turnover, and reduced quality of patient care (Suleiman et al., 2024). Despite the known risks, the hospital has yet to implement comprehensive mental health support programs or regularly assess the psychological well-being of its nursing staff.
This study aims to examine the psychological impact of workplace hazards on nurses at ABUTH, Zaria, and identify strategies to reduce psychological strain and enhance nurses’ mental health support systems.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the psychological impact of workplace hazards on nurses at ABUTH, Zaria.
2. To evaluate the prevalence of psychological disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, burnout) among nurses.
3. To identify the current mental health support systems available to nurses and their effectiveness in addressing workplace-induced psychological stress.
Research Questions
1. What psychological effects do workplace hazards have on nurses at ABUTH, Zaria?
2. What is the prevalence of psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and burnout among nurses?
3. How effective are the current mental health support systems at ABUTH, Zaria, in addressing psychological stress among nurses?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₀: Workplace hazards do not have a significant psychological impact on nurses at ABUTH, Zaria.
2. H₀: There is no significant prevalence of psychological disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, burnout) among nurses at ABUTH, Zaria.
3. H₀: Current mental health support systems are not effective in reducing psychological stress among nurses.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on the psychological effects of workplace hazards on nurses at ABUTH, Zaria. It does not include other healthcare workers or facilities outside ABUTH. The study may face challenges such as reliance on self-reported data, potential underreporting of mental health issues, and the availability of adequate mental health resources for staff.
Definition of Terms
• Workplace Hazards: Potential sources of physical, psychological, or emotional harm within the workplace, including exposure to infectious diseases, stress from patient care, and physical strain.
• Psychological Impact: The mental health consequences resulting from exposure to workplace hazards, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
• Burnout: A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork.
• Mental Health Support Systems: Resources and interventions designed to assist individuals in managing psychological distress, including counseling services, stress management programs, and employee assistance programs.
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