Background: Occupational stress remains a major concern in the nursing profession, particularly in developing regions where inadequate resources and high workloads characterize healthcare delivery. This study investigated the impact of occupational stress on nurses’ productivity and coping mechanisms in Auchi Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 111 nurses selected through stratified random sampling across both public and private healthcare facilities.
Results: Findings revealed that nurses in Auchi experience high levels of occupational stress arising from excessive workload (70.6%), low salary (52.9%), and inadequate staffing. The study further established that occupational stress significantly affects productivity by reducing efficiency, increasing absenteeism, and impairing patient care quality. Physical consequences included headaches (85.3%) and fatigue (77.9%), while psychological impacts comprised burnout and anxiety. Despite these challenges, nurses adopted coping mechanisms such as peer support, religious engagement, and time management.
Conclusion: Occupational stress is a critical, systemic issue among nurses in Auchi Metropolis, leading to diminished well-being and productivity. The study recommends that hospital administrators implement stress management programs and improve staffing levels to ensure optimal healthcare delivery.
Keywords: Occupational stress, Nurses’ productivity, Coping mechanisms, Healthcare delivery, Workload, Auchi Metropolis.
Citation: Mabel, O. O. & Nwamaka, K. P. (2026). Impact of Occupational Stress on Nurses’ Productivity and Coping Mechanisms in Auchi Metropolis: A Descriptive Survey. J Prim Health Glob Health 1(1):1-4.