Occupational stress among paramedical staff working in primary health care centers in Abha, Saudi Arabia

Author: Abdelmoneim I

Source:
The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association, 78(5-6), 387-396.
Occupational stress among paramedical staff in Primary Health care centers was not extensively studied as in medical or hospital nursing staff. The aim of the present study was to reveal the work characteristics in the PHC centers in Abha city, Saudi Arabia, with its stressful hazardous conditions as perceived by the working paramedical staff. The study revealed that this staff is facing heavy workload with low decision and control latitude. This is the most hazardous condition generating stress among working populations. As most of them are foreigners the language barrier compounds the problem. It was noticed however that most of them enjoy good social support from both colleagues and home members that might play a modifying role alleviating stress. This group of workers needs special care and continuous evaluation of mental stress induced by their working conditions.