Workplace Characteristics: Significant Predictors of Stress among Nurses Working in Special Units of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Nursing profession is subjected to high stress owing to its nature of work. Stress can result from various internal and environmental demands and is manifested physiologically and psychologically. The present study was conducted to determine stress, predictors of stress and stress symptoms as experienced by nurses in a tertiary care hospital of North India. The present study was descriptive in nature involving 103 nurses working in special units of the hospital. The nurses were selected conveniently. Demographic profile sheet, modified workplace stress scale (WSS) and Workplace stress symptom scale (WSSS) were administered to collect the data. Findings of the study revealed that 50% of the nurses experienced low stress while 28% and 22% experienced moderate and high stress respectively. Further, job challenge, role- conflict, self- conflict, workload, lack of job autonomy, informal support and goal clarity, improper performance appraisal, poor inter- personal relations and job insecurity were identified as significant predictors of stress. Various stress symptoms as experienced by nurses such as exhaustion, irritation, difficulty in concentration, weariness and feebleness, nervousness, reduced work performance, insomnia and reduced self- confidence, indifference towards anything and depression were also reported. The findings of the study give insight into the significant predictors of stress which can be buffered using various stress management strategies by the nurse managers

Combined effect of surya namaskar and aerobic exercises to reduce anger among substance dependence subjects

Background: There is a strong association between certain exercises and anger management. Persons with a high tendency towards anger often abuse substances. Alcohol and drug abuse is one of the most common behavioural problems that occur due to uncontrolled anger. Substance dependence subjects when frustrated would show anger. Aim: To assess the anger among substance dependence subjects and the effect of physical exercises (surya namaskar and aerobic exercises) on anger management. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. Specific exercise was planned for anger management based on a thorough literature review, which consisted of surya namaskar and aerobic exercises (brisk walking and jogging) to be taught in a two-week period. Results: Anger was assessed by using standardised tool and after intervention for fifteen days, significant reduction in anger score was found in experimental group. Conclusion: Physical exercises were found to be effective for managing the anger among substance dependence subjects

Effectiveness of an Interventional Package on the Level of Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue among Patients with Cervical Cancer

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventional package on the level of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Methods: The study was conducted in room no. 5, first floor, B Block, Department of Radiotherapy, Nehru Hospital, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh Quasi experimental pretest-posttest design was used in the study. A total of 60 patients receiving radiotherapy/chemotherapy were assigned in two groups of 30 each, through total enumeration sampling technique. The tools used for the study were Zung Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression inventory, and Fatigue Scale. The protocol used for the study includes the Jacobson's Progressive muscle relaxtion technique, counsling and home care techniques. Results: Sociodemographic variables and clinical profile of participants in both groups were comparable. Interventional package significantly reduces the anxiety, depression, and fatigue (P < 0.001 in 3 variables) in experimental group. Conclusions: Interventional package for patients with cervical cancer proved to be an effective modality in reducing the anxiety, depression, and fatigue