Urbańska Katarzyna Anna, Naworska Beata, Drosdzol-Cop Agnieszka
Neonatology Unit, BCM The Guardian Angels Hospital of the Brothers Hospitallers of St. John of God in Katowice, Markiefki 87, 40-211 Katowice, Poland.
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-751 Katowice, Poland.
Nurs Rep. 2025 Mar 21;15(4):116. doi: 10.3390/nursrep15040116.
Nurses and midwives caring for newborns with lethal defects experience significant emotional stress. Understanding coping strategies and the factors influencing stress is crucial for improving their well-being and ensuring high-quality care. The aim of this study was to identify the coping strategies used by nurses and midwives in stressful situations and to analyse the relationship between stress levels and selected sociodemographic and professional factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the second quarter of 2023 among 307 nurses and midwives working in neonatal and obstetric wards in the Silesian metropolitan area, Poland. A diagnostic survey method was applied using a standardised questionnaire. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the MINI-COPE Inventory were used to assess stress levels and coping mechanisms. A stratified random sampling method was employed to ensure representation from various professional backgrounds. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman's correlation, and Cohen's d coefficient, with statistical significance set at < 0.05. High stress levels were associated with shorter professional experience, frequent exposure to lethal defects, and emotional discomfort in interactions with grieving families. The most commonly used coping strategies were active coping (M = 2.06, SD = 0.635) and planning (M = 1.95, SD = 0.590), whereas self-blame (M = 1.20, SD = 0.714, < 0.001) and denial (M = 0.88, SD = 0.751, < 0.001) were linked to higher stress levels. Positive reinterpretation (r = -0.211, < 0.001) and seeking emotional support (r = -0.129, = 0.024) correlated with lower stress levels. Nurses and midwives with secondary education reported higher stress levels compared to those with higher education (χ(10) = 30.651, = 0.001). Work experience played a role, with moderate stress levels most frequently observed among those with 2-5 years of professional experience (χ(14) = 24.023, = 0.046). Emotional involvement, particularly supporting parents during their farewell to the child (69.1%), was identified as the most stressful aspect of their work. Promoting adaptive coping strategies, such as positive reinterpretation and emotional support, can help reduce stress and improve the well-being of nurses and midwives. Implementing psychological support programmes and stress management training is essential for maintaining high-quality neonatal care.
照顾患有致命缺陷新生儿的护士和助产士会经历巨大的情感压力。了解应对策略以及影响压力的因素对于改善他们的幸福感和确保高质量护理至关重要。本研究的目的是确定护士和助产士在压力情境下使用的应对策略，并分析压力水平与选定的社会人口学和专业因素之间的关系。2023年第二季度，在波兰西里西亚大都市区的新生儿和产科病房工作的307名护士和助产士中进行了一项横断面研究。采用标准化问卷应用诊断性调查方法。使用感知压力量表（PSS - 10）和简明应对方式问卷来评估压力水平和应对机制。采用分层随机抽样方法以确保来自不同专业背景的代表性。使用描述性统计、卡方检验、斯皮尔曼相关性分析和科恩d系数进行数据分析，统计学显著性设定为<0.05。高压力水平与较短的专业经验、频繁接触致命缺陷以及与悲伤家庭互动时的情感不适有关。最常用的应对策略是积极应对（M = 2.06，SD = 0.635）和计划（M = 1.95，SD = 0.590），而自责（M = 1.20，SD = 0.714，<0.001）和否认（M = 0.88，SD = 0.751，<0.001）与较高的压力水平相关。积极重新诠释（r = -0.211，<0.001）和寻求情感支持（r = -0.129，= 0.024）与较低的压力水平相关。与受过高等教育的护士和助产士相比，受过中等教育的护士和助产士报告的压力水平更高（χ(10) = 30.651，= 0.001）。工作经验起到了作用，在有2 - 5年专业经验的人中最常观察到中等压力水平（χ(14) = 24.023，= 0.046）。情感投入，特别是在父母与孩子告别期间给予支持（69.1%），被确定为他们工作中最具压力的方面。推广适应性应对策略，如积极重新诠释和情感支持，可以帮助减轻压力并改善护士和助产士的幸福感。实施心理支持计划和压力管理培训对于维持高质量的新生儿护理至关重要。
