Parenting stress, self-efficacy and COVID-19 health risks as predictors of general stress among nurses.

AIM

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of parenting stress, self-efficacy and COVID-19 health risks on general stress among nurses in the Midwest, United States, during the pandemic.

BACKGROUND

As frontline workers amidst the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, nurses have been subject to stressors at home and at work.

METHOD

This quantitative, cross-sectional study included 896 nurses with at least one child below 18 years of age. Using purposive sampling, participants answered an online survey composed of demographic questions, perception of COVID-19 health risks, measures of self-efficacy, general stress and parenting stress. Bivariate correlation and multiple regression were conducted. Data were collected from July 13 to August 13, 2020.

RESULTS

The four predictors, along with eight demographic covariates, accounted for 40% of the variance in general stress. Parenting stress and COVID-19 health risks were positively related to general stress, while self-efficacy was negatively associated with general stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlight the negative influence of parenting stress on nurses' general stress and the importance of self-efficacy in reducing stress. Findings suggest that support services for nurses should focus not only on work-related stressors but also consider parenting stressors, work-home imbalances and self-efficacy.