Perceived Stress and Coping Mechanisms Among Frontline Health Workers During the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Greater- Accra Region, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Stress, a public health problem especially among frontline health workers does not only affect their health and social relationship but transcends to negatively affect service delivery. Yet, little is known about the magnitude of stress faced by frontline health workers in the Greater- Accra region during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, therefore, sought to determine the stress level, its effects, coping mechanisms, and factors associated with stress and coping mechanisms among frontline health workers in the Greater- Accra region, Ghana. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 frontline health workers using a stratified sampling technique for the selection of health facilities in the Greater- Accra region. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from health workers. Pearson’s chi-square was used to determine the association between stress, coping mechanisms and explanatory variables. Logistic regression models were used to determine the factors influencing stress, and coping mechanisms among the frontline health workers. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age was 32 years, 51.0% were females, 51.0% were married and 56.6% had possessed bachelor’s degree. Majority (76.4%) of the respondents were moderately stressed. More than half (57.6%) of the respondents had high coping self-efficacy though 56.1% were low resilient copers. Significant sources of stress identified consisted of poor working environmental condition (78.29%), as well as poor relationships with clients, fellow workers, and superiors (29.2%). Coping self-efficacy (χ2 = 12.78, p < 0.002), brief resilience coping (χ2 = 86.19, p < 0.001), support from family and colleagues (χ2 = 10.31, p < 0.002) had a strong significant association with respondents perceived level of stress. Frontline health workers who had poor relationship with clients, colleagues and superiors were 2.56 times more likely to be stressed compared with those who had good relationship with clients, colleagues and superiors AOR = 2.56 (C.I:1.25, 5.22) p < 0.010. Conclusion The findings revealed that majority of frontline health workers in the Greater Accra Region were moderately stressed. Frontline heath workers’ individual coping efficacy in stopping negative emotions and thoughts could be a protective strategy against different stressors.