Psychocultural contexts of nursing in Malawi: sources of stress, burn-out, coping and satisfiers

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Periodical article

Title:	Psychocultural contexts of nursing in Malawi: sources of stress, burn-out, coping and satisfiers
Author:	Peltzer, Karl
Year:	1997
Periodical:	Psychopathologie africaine
Volume:	28
Issue:	2
Pages:	149-176
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Malawi
Subjects:	health personnel psychiatry
Abstract:	Rapid socioeconomic change and increased work load seem to have an impact on the work of nurses in Malawi. A study was undertaken at Lilongwe Central Hospital to conceptualize these changes in terms of the psychocultural context of nursing. The problems experienced by nurses were grouped under six key concepts: stressors (work environment, lack of resources, interpersonal relations among staff, work overload, fear of infection, uncooperative patients, dealing with death), critical incidents (deaths, incorrect medical procedures, etc.), cultural incidents (conflicts with traditional healing practices, religion, sexual practices, etc.), burn-out symptoms, coping strategies, and factors providing satisfaction. It was revealed that the high level of stress experienced and the use of primarily avoidance strategies to cope with problems resulted in a high number of burn-out symptoms, leading to decreased work performance and reduced personal health. It was also shown that most stressors were externally caused. Recommendations were made to reduce stress and burn-out among Malawian nurses. Bibliogr., sum. in English and French.