Perceived Stress Level and Quality of Life among Licensed Practical Nurses in the Emergency Care Units of Palmas, Tocantins

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of Life (QOL) is the individual’s perception on social and cultural aspects, related to one’s expectations, patterns and concerns, which is influenced by several aspects of the individual. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between stress and quality of life among Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) working in Emergency Care Units at Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. Material and Methods: All LPN’s of the North and South Emergency Care Units (n=92) were invited to participate in the study, using the instruments WHOQOL-bref, EPS-10 Perceived Stress Scale and socioeconomic-demographic questionnaire. Results: 62 LPN’s voluntarily joined the study, where the perception of stress indicated an average of 15.6 (±5.52) for the general sample. The areas covered by the WHOQOL-brief instrument were: psychological domain (64.04±11.91), physical domain (55.01±8.49), social relationship (54.83±18.07) and environment (51.05±12.16), with overall mean QOL of 53.62 (±21.36). The Spearman’s correlation test between EPS-10 variables and each of these four domains showed a negative correlation (p= 0.01) in a way that the higher the perceived stress, the lower the QOL level. Conclusion: LPN with higher level of stress have their QOL compromised. Therefore, it is necessary to incorporate changes in the lifestyle and working conditions, such as psychological support and work practices aiming to reduce stress and, consequently, improve the QOL of these professionals. DESCRIPTORS Professional Stress.Health Personnel.Workers’ Health.Quality of Life.