The Prevalence of Occupational Stress and The Impact of Coping Strategies on Occupational Stress Among Healthcare Practitioners

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Published: 2026-03-30
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61919/n79cyh74
Keywords:
Occupational stress, Burnout, Coping strategies, Healthcare practitioners, Maslach Burnout Inventory, WCQ

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Afifa Latif
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Iqra Nawaz
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Emaan Asif
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Faiza Afzal
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Arifa Afzal
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Muhammad Jawad
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Rahman Ali
Government College University, Faisalabad
Maira Nawaz
National Textile University, Faisalabad
Muhammad Hassan
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Occupational stress among healthcare practitioners is a significant concern due to its impact on mental health, job performance, and patient care quality. Coping strategies play a critical role in moderating stress outcomes, yet their effectiveness varies across contexts and professional groups. Objective: To assess the prevalence of occupational stress and examine the association between coping strategies and stress levels among healthcare practitioners. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 150 healthcare professionals in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Stress was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and coping strategies were assessed using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Moderate stress was observed in 81.33% of participants, with high emotional exhaustion (40.00%) and depersonalization (48.00%). Coping strategies were predominantly used at moderate levels. Significant associations were found between stress and seeking social support (p = 0.002) and accepting responsibility (p = 0.017), demonstrating non-linear patterns with lowest high-stress prevalence at moderate coping levels. No significant differences were found by gender or work setting, while profession influenced depersonalization and personal accomplishment. Conclusion: Occupational stress is widely prevalent among healthcare practitioners, with coping strategies showing complex, non-linear associations with stress levels. Optimizing coping approaches and implementing institutional support systems are essential to improve healthcare workforce well-being and performance.

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 6 (2026)

Section

Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

1.
Afifa Latif, Iqra Nawaz, Emaan Asif, Faiza Afzal, Arifa Afzal, Muhammad Jawad, et al. The Prevalence of Occupational Stress and The Impact of Coping Strategies on Occupational Stress Among Healthcare Practitioners. JHWCR [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 30 [cited 2026 May 3];4(6):1-12. Available from: https://jhwcr.com/index.php/jhwcr/article/view/1540

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