COPING WITH OCCUPATIONAL STRESS AMONG MIDWIVES

Background: Working environment is one of the most important sources of occupational stress that may cause a whole range of emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physiological reactions of the worker. Coping is a process of moderating the negative effects of occupational stress on mental health and also serves to prevent distress, burnout and psychological maladjustment. Its effectiveness depends on the mechanisms that are used and these coping strategies could be adaptive or maladaptive. Methods: The aim of our research was to identify the most common coping strategies used in relation to occupational stress in a group of midwives. Our sample consisted of 150 midwives working in various areas of practice (birding suite, antenatal clinic, maternity ward) with an average age of 38.31 +/- 10.92. The Brief Cope questionnaire was administered to identify coping strategies used in relation to stressors in the work environment. Descriptive statistic and correlation models were employed. Results: Results showed that majority were females, married, less than 30 years of age and less than 10 years of midwifery practice. Most midwives coped with their distress using adaptive methods such as active coping, planning, positive reframing, and seeking for social support. The least coping method used by all midwives was detected denial, substance use and behavioural disengagement, which are deemed maladaptive. Conclusions: Coping with stress in working environment is an offshoot of the field of occupational health psychology, which involves research and practice to create healthy workplaces The results of this study will help to determine the strategies that could help in reducing the amount of stress experienced by a midwives in their everyday demanding and challenging role.