Emotional Response and Coping Strategies of Nurses Working in COVID Referral Hospitals of Morang District

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the wellness and health of individuals, particularly healthcare staff. Effective coping mechanisms have been identified as crucial in managing emotional responses

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the emotional response and coping strategies among nurses working in COVID referral hospitals in Morang district.

Methodology: A cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted from June to October 2021, employing total population enumeration technique with 350 nurses. Emotional responses were assessed using the PANAS-GEN scale, and coping strategies were evaluated using a modified Brief Cope Inventory (BCI). Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson linear correlation, and multiple linear regressions.

Results: The majority of participants (84.6%) were aged 21-30 years, and 97.1% were female. Emotional-focused coping was slightly higher among nurses aged over 31 and those with two or more children (p=0.019). A significant relationship was observed between coping strategies and emotional response. Both positive and negative emotional responses correlated with problem-focused coping (p < 0.001 and 0.017). Problem-focused coping significantly influenced positive (p < 0.001, CI 17.044-27.254) and negative responses (p=0.000, CI 16.467-26.104). Additionally, emotion-focused coping was a significant factor in negative response (p=0.001, CI 0.062-0.246).

Conclusion: Emotional coping was slightly higher among nurses over thirty-one years old and those with two or more children. Positive and negative emotional responses were associated with problem-focused coping, indicating its influence on both types of responses. Moreover, emotion-focused coping was linked to negative responses.