Occupational stress and its coping mechanisms among healthcare workers in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Background: Healthcare service delivery is a high-stress profession, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where skilled manpower is scarce. Stress affects the emotion, behavior, social and cognitive abilities of healthcare workers. These changes if no managed effectively may lead to medical errors which cannot be reversed. Aim: This study assessed occupational stress levels and coping mechanisms among healthcare workers in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, with 280 healthcare workers completing a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Results:The finding showed that main stressors include; inadequate staffing levels 3.27(0.75), handling large number of patients 3.17(0.87), non-conducive working environment, call rooms and workstations 3.04(0.82), absence of instruments and equipment for my job 3.04(0.83), presence of diseases and infections 3.03(0.87), extremely long working hours 2.99(0.79), caring for difficult patients 2.98(0.88), high job insecurity 2.96(0.97), harassment from patients and their relatives 2.90(0.91), time pressure 2.82(0.87), poor delegation of duties 2.82(0.86), long standing hours 2.80(0.94), lack of opportunity for growth and promotion in my workplace 2.77(0.88). Main stress coping mechanism were; ensuring all members of the team are effective during working hours (3.160.71), coming to work with a positive mindset and attitude (3.080.75. Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings highlights the significant stressors faced by healthcare workers and emphasizes the need for healthcare organizations to address these issues. Effective coping mechanisms, such as teamwork and social support, can help healthcare workers manage stress, promoting a healthier work environment and better patient care.