THE INFLUENCE OF WORK LOAD ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH OF PSYCHIATRIC NURSES IN FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.
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Abstract
Background: Psychiatric nursing is inherently demanding, exposing practitioners to
significant occupational stress. However, the specific influence of workload on the
psychological health of nurses in Nigerian psychiatric hospitals remains under-researched.
This study investigated the influence of workload on the psychological health of psychiatric
nurses at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among 101 psychiatric nurses
selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered
questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Findings revealed a strong positive association between workload and stress, with
71.3% of nurses agreeing that workload increased their stress levels. Workload significantly
contributed to emotional and physical exhaustion, though it did not strongly predict
professional detachment. Excessive workload was linked to diminished job satisfaction and
poor work-life balance, while manageable workloads enhanced fulfillment. Nurses
predominantly employed informal coping strategies such as relaxation techniques (49.5%) and
peer support (48.6%), with marked reluctance toward professional counseling services (31.7%
disagreed/strongly disagreed).
Conclusion: Workload significantly influences the psychological health of psychiatric nurses,
contributing to stress, exhaustion, and reduced job satisfaction. However, nurses maintain
professional commitment despite these challenges. The study recommends implementation of
equitable workload management systems, establishment of structured mental health support
programs, and promotion of adaptive coping strategies to safeguard nurse wellbeing and
optimize patient care quality.
significant occupational stress. However, the specific influence of workload on the
psychological health of nurses in Nigerian psychiatric hospitals remains under-researched.
This study investigated the influence of workload on the psychological health of psychiatric
nurses at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among 101 psychiatric nurses
selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered
questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Findings revealed a strong positive association between workload and stress, with
71.3% of nurses agreeing that workload increased their stress levels. Workload significantly
contributed to emotional and physical exhaustion, though it did not strongly predict
professional detachment. Excessive workload was linked to diminished job satisfaction and
poor work-life balance, while manageable workloads enhanced fulfillment. Nurses
predominantly employed informal coping strategies such as relaxation techniques (49.5%) and
peer support (48.6%), with marked reluctance toward professional counseling services (31.7%
disagreed/strongly disagreed).
Conclusion: Workload significantly influences the psychological health of psychiatric nurses,
contributing to stress, exhaustion, and reduced job satisfaction. However, nurses maintain
professional commitment despite these challenges. The study recommends implementation of
equitable workload management systems, establishment of structured mental health support
programs, and promotion of adaptive coping strategies to safeguard nurse wellbeing and
optimize patient care quality.
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