The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71530

Jascinth LM Lindo, RN, MPH¹, Janet LaGrenade, MBBS, DM, MPH², Affette McCaw-Binns, PhD¹, A. Denise Eldemire, MBBS, MPH, PhD², and Maria Jackson, Phd¹. (1) Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica, 876-977-6521, jaslindo@hotmail.com, (2) Master of Public health, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica

Hospitals may constitute one of the most stressful of all workplaces. Doctors and nurses must deal with life-threatening injuries and illnesses, overwork, tight schedules and factors such as demanding patients, and patient deaths. In Jamaica, these factors are exacerbated by severe nursing shortage and a high level of interpersonal violence in the society. The country’s high crime rate has also resulted in a large number of trauma cases including gunshot and stab wounds. The hospitals also admit a number of prisoners/suspects under police guard. The psychological damage and emotional problems suffered by doctors and nurses in this setting has not been assessed. This prospective cross-sectional study will asses the level of general mental health among 350 doctors and nurses from the University Hospital of the West Indies and the Kingston Public Hospital using the General Health Questionnaire. In particular, the level and source of stress among medical personnel will be assessed. The study will also evaluate the practices associated with health maintenance and stress reduction among medical personnel. This will include an assessment of the prevalence and practice of smoking marijuana and alcohol consumption. The results will be used to plan intervention strategies and implement policy for a healthier workplace environment in Jamaican hospital.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of session participant will
• Understand the factors leading to stress in hospitals
• Be able to evaluate general mental haelth using the GHQ
• Design intervention for improved mental health in hospital workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.