Perceived stress factors and coping strategies of COVID ward nurses: Psychological impact of COVID 19

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, which began in Wuhan, China in 2019, has now spread to every corner of the globe. Nurses dealing with COVID patients, in particular, are overburdened around the world. Nurses have been forced to make unavoidable lifestyle adjustments due to disruptions in their everyday work routines and active changes in procedures and policies. This study aimed at determining psychological impact of COVID 19 pandemic (perceived stressors, stress reducing factors, coping strategies) among nursing personnel involved in caring patients with COVID 19. Nursing staff who had taken care of patients with COVID 19 for minimum period of two weeks completed the self-administered instrument. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Inconvenience due to constant use of Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) (94 %) and lock down restrictions (93 %), vaccine unavailability (90%), and uncertainty of treatment steps were the main sources of stress for the nurses (89 %). The majority of the nursing staff (72%) was stressed about the risk of developing an infection and 75 % of the staff was concerned about the risk of transmitting COVID to their family members and friends. Trusting GOD for protection, adhering to strict infection control measures and lockdown restrictions were all coping strategies that helped them deal with the pandemic. More than 90% of nurses accepted that their coping mechanisms included engaging in relaxation/diversional activities, maintaining a well-balanced diet and getting adequate rest.