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.