A Cross sectional study to assess relation between Behavioural Risk Factors and Body Mass Index with Professional Stress among staff nurses of a Tertiary care Hospital of Mumbai

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related stressors may influence ability of nurses to engage in regular exercise and maintain positive dietary behavior. Lack of time was considered as the main barrier to being physically active. This supports suggestions that work related stressors like shift work and long working hours may lead to a neglect of physical activity needs in the nursing profession and is associated with other negative health behavior. Objective: To assess relation between Behavioral risk factors and Body Mass Index with Professional Stress among staff nurses of Tertiary care Hospital having Shift duties. Methods: Descriptive Cross-sectional study conducted among staff nurses of age group 25 years and above of a Tertiary cares Hospital in Mumbai. The sample size obtained through multi stage sampling was 187. Data was collected with help of pre-tested pre-designed questionnaire by interview method. Professional Stress Scale by David Fontanna (DFPS) was used for evaluating Occupational stress. Results: Mean age of staff nurses was 40.05 ±11.53 years. Mean score of DFPS was 14.65 ± 5.52. Out of 187 staff nurses, 65.77% were not in normal BMI range of which maximum were in pre-obese (28.34%) followed by underweight (16.04%) and overweight (16.04%) category. Associations of BMI, dietary habits, physical activity and on continuous medication for chronic diseases with professional stress among staff nurses were statistically significant (p<0.005). Conclusion: Behavioral risk factors like Body Mass Index, irregular intake of meals, lack of physical activity, continuous medications have impact on professional stress of staff nurses.