Introduction: Stress in the workplace in the health sector is in
expansion.
Objective: Assessment of the occupational stress index and types of
stressors in certain areas of the health sector and their impact on the
development of occupational injuries and at work ability.
Methodology: The study group consisted of 448 health care personnel
and control of 157 administrative workers. The application of the
questionnaire were analyzed the presence and level of occupational
stressors in their workplaces. The complete diagnostics of health
status were performed. The data of the length of temporary incapacity
for work, injuries at work and permanent work capacity were
analyzed.
Results: Total OSI was significantly higher in the examined group
(69.24 ± 10.10) compared to the control group (39.38 ± 7.44) (t =
39.19, p <0.001). Total OSI was significantly higher among
employees in institutions of secondary and tertiary health care levels
(74.94 ± 7.43) compared to employees in institutions at the primary
health care level (58.87 ± 4.47) (t = 24.891, p <0.001 ). Doctors are
exposed to a significantly higher level of stress than the nurses (73.21
± 10.13; 65.47 ± 8.52) (t = 8.725, p <0.001). Mental disorders,
occupational disease and hypertension were significantly more present
in the examined group compared to the controls (p = 0.043; Χ2 =
4.03; Χ2 = 31.30, p <0.001). Number of working days lost due to
injuries at work, occupational and other diseases was significantly
higher in the study than in the control group (p <0.001). Number of
days lost due to illness, injury at work and occupational diseases was
significantly higher among employees in institutions of secondary and
tertiary health care levels in relation to employees in institutions at the
primary health care level (z = 10.56, t = 6.44, t = 5.23; p <0.001).
There was a significant correlation between OSI and workplace
injuries, length of temporary work disability and complete permanent
loss of working ability. The correlation is highly significant in health
care personnel in surgical branches of medical activity.
Conclusion: Professional stress have significantly effects on the
development of the occupational injuries and at work ability of health
care personnel, which needs the preventive measures