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Aims To identify, from the perspectives of nurses, occupational stressors and ways in which they may be reduced. Background Nurses commonly experience high levels of occupational stress, with negative consequences for their physical and psychological health, health-care organisations and community. There is minimal research on reducing occupational stress. Method Six focus groups were conducted with 38 registered nurses using a qualitative exploratory approach. Participants were asked to identify sources of occupational stress and possible workplace initiatives to reduce stress. Findings Sources of occupational stress were: high workloads, unavailability of doctors, unsupportive management, human resource issues, interpersonal issues, patients' relatives, shift work, car parking, handover procedures, no common area for nurses, not progressing at work and patient mental health. Suggestions for reduction included: workload modification, non-ward-based initiatives, changing shift hours, forwarding suggestions for change, music, special events, organisational development, ensuring nurses get breaks, massage therapists, acknowledgement from management and leadership within wards. Conclusion The findings highlight the need to understand local perspectives and the importance of involving nurses in identifying initiatives to reduce occupational stress. Implications for nursing management Health-care environments can be enhanced through local understanding of the occupational stressors and productively engaging nurses in developing stress reduction initiatives. Nurse managers must facilitate such processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examines how physical activity and perceptions of the built environment differ by degree of urbanisation in Queensland, Australia. A statewide sample of adults (n=1208) completed a CATI survey assessing physical activity and perceptions of the environment in July–August 2005. Results indicate that residents in metropolitan areas were more likely to report the presence of shops and services, footpaths, heavy traffic and physical activity facilities than non-metropolitan residents. Although geographic location was not associated with achievement of sufficient levels of physical activity or walking, a notable interaction in the associations between both physical activity measures and the presence of footpaths in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas was observed. This finding suggests the presence of a differential mechanism in terms of the relationships between physical activity and environmental supports by geographical location. Such effects require future investigation in terms of replication and understanding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]