Atif Mahmood, Mahvish Mansoor Ali, Farahnaz Shoukat Ali Punjwani, Sana Sadruddin Bardai, Sonia Sultan, Omar Shamim,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (4-2020)
Abstract
Background: Stressful situation are among the challenging experiences especially in clinical setting. The aim of this study was to compare the level of work-related stress among nurses working in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), General ward and Emergency setting.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at different private tertiary hospitals of Karachi in 2017-2018. Two stage sampling technique including quota and convenient sampling technique was used to collect the data. A total of 225 participants were recruited. Pre-validated questionnaire was used which contained different stress related categories. Midwives, nursing assistants, part time nurses and nurses employed at management positions were excluded from the study. Data were presented as frequency and percentage and mean and standard deviation. The chi-square test was used for examine association of categorical variables. The SPSS used for data analysis.
Results: The mean age of participants was 26.5±2.4 years. Stress among nurses working in emergency department was found to be highest in all categories. Management related stress was 77.3% and 69.3% due to criticism by supervisor and inadequate support by supervisor, respectively. Patient related stress was 72% and 64% due to health risk posed by patient contact and communication about death to patient. About 81.3% of the nurses of emergency department reported high level of stress due to covering work for another employee followed by 66.7% related to working overtime. Moreover, 86.7% and 62.7% of participants had high level of stress due to inadequate salary and lack of recognition.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the level of stress varies within different departments in the hospitals. There are several work-related stressors that found more in Emergency department than ICU or General ward.
Habiba Khanom , Sharmin Hossain , Rabiul Islam , Liton Baroi , Eashmin Akter Rima R , Jannatul Ferdoues Mitu , Chandra Das , Sumaia Afroz , Jannatul Ferdowsy , Aysha Sultana Luvna, Lita Bose , Shukla Sarker , Alamgir Hossain ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a widespread maternal health concern associated with heightened anxiety, increased medical interventions, and negative birth experiences. While prevalent globally, FOC remains underexamined in low-resource settings such as Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the level of FOC and identify associated factors among pregnant women in Bangladesh.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 262 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Shariatpur Government Upazila Health Complex (December 2023–May 2024). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Melender FOC Scale. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Fear was categorized as low, moderate, or high. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square tests, ordinal logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of FOC using SPSS version 25.
Results: A survey of 262 pregnant women revealed a moderate mean level of fear of childbirth (FOC) (47.45 ± 6.9). Regression analysis identified several significant predictors of higher FOC. The strongest associations were with limited spousal support (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.38–5.06; p = 0.003) and not attending childbirth classes (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.21–4.49; p = 0.011). Other significant factors included younger maternal age, lower education (in both the woman and her husband), rural residence, and lower socioeconomic status. These findings underscore the multifactorial nature of FOC, highlighting the need for interventions that address its key social and educational determinants.
Conclusion: FOC is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Bangladesh and is influenced by sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychosocial factors. Routine screening, culturally sensitive prenatal education, improved communication, and partner-inclusive support are recommended to reduce FOC and improve maternal outcomes.
