Exploring Stress Management in the Nigerian Public Health Sector: Kwara State Experience

Abstract

Healthcare workers play a critical role in delivering quality healthcare services, and their performance is influenced by various factors within their work environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the anticipated extent of stress among healthcare workers in public health facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria, and its impact on their performance. The researchers conducted interviews with eight selected respondents from public health facilities in Kwara state, using a qualitative research approach.. The researchers employed a purposive sampling approach to select respondents who possessed specific characteristics relevant to the study, such as years of experience in hospital management board. The data collection process involved conducting semi-structured interviews with the selected respondents. The researchers used Nvivo version 12 software to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study were based on the responses obtained from the interviews. The results of the study indicated that role congruence and employee recognition had a positive effect on the performance of healthcare workers. This suggests that when healthcare workers have clearly defined roles and responsibilities and receive recognition for their work, their performance improves. Based on these findings, the study recommends that healthcare managers should ensure that the roles and responsibilities of healthcare workers are clearly defined. Additionally, regular employee recognition should be implemented as a practice in healthcare organizations. Furthermore, creating a conducive organizational culture is crucial for effective performance.