Work-related stress factors and Psychological Health of Filipino Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly challenged global healthcare systems, particularly impacting the psychological health of nurses. This study examines the psychosocial impact and work-related stressors faced by Filipino nurses during the COVID-19 crisis. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to gather data from May 2021 to May 2022. Participants included registered nurses recruited from across the Philippines, focusing on their exposure to work-related stressors, burnout, job satisfaction, and coping activities. The survey included validated items that measured work related variables (e.g., job responsibilities, workload) and personal stress management strategies. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages) were calculated to interpret the continuous and categorical variables. Results: A total of 2,229 nurses participated in the survey. Findings indicate that 78.9% of nurses experienced increased workloads, and 36% were assigned to units outside their expertise. Despite the high stress and burnout rates (30.4% reported symptoms), 56.4% of nurses intended to stay in their positions. The most common coping strategies were use of social media (53.7%) and connecting with friends and family (51.5%). Conclusion: Filipino nurses displayed considerable resilience despite facing severe work-related stressors and psychological strains during the pandemic. The study highlights significant stressors such as increased workload, role shifts, and the lack of clear workplace goals, contributing to burnout and reduced job satisfaction. This study underscores the need for enhanced support systems and policies to safeguard nurses' well-being, recommending more robust mental health services, adequate staffing, and the provision of necessary resources and training to prepare nurses for future health crises better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]