Challenge-obstacle stress and loss of productivity and activity: a correlational analysis focused on nursing staff

Abstract

Introduction: occupational stress, defined as a set of physiological and psychological reactions experienced by the organism when faced with environmental demands that exceed personal coping resources, can be seen as a reality inherent to the work context, especially in health care institutions. Aim: to examine the association between challenge-obstacle stress and loss of productivity/activity of nursing personnel working in two private Colombian health care institutions. Methods: this is a correlational-cross-sectional study based on the application of instruments: challenge-obstacle stress scale (ERO) and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire in its Spanish version during the year 2022, which were applied to 95 nursing professionals and 51 nursing assistants. Results: it was found that the average challenge stress is higher than obstacle stress and the percentage of work absences due to stress is very low. The ERO model was not associated with absenteeism, but significantly and positively predicted presenteeism, loss of activity and economic losses due to stress. Conclusions: it is crucial to adjust interventions focused on the management of psychosocial occupational risks in health care workers according to the differential weight of challenge stress and obstacle stress in the explanation of productivity/activity loss.