Occupational Stress and Aerobic Capacity Among Nursing Staff-An Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose: Occupational stress is a growing concern among healthcare professionals, particularly nursing staff, as it adversely affects both physical and mental health. Understanding its association with aerobic capacity is critical for developing preventive measures and improving overall well-being. This study aimed to assess occupational stress levels and aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) among nursing staff and to analyze the relationship between these variables.

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, and involved 100 nursing staff participants selected through convenience sampling. Occupational stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Modified Nursing Stress Scale (MNSS). Aerobic capacity was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), from which VO₂ max was calculated. Data were analyzed statistically using Spearman’s correlation to determine the relationship between stress levels and aerobic capacity.

Results: The results demonstrated that 63% of the nursing staff experienced moderate levels of occupational stress. ICU nurses reported higher stress scores compared to nurses from other departments. Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between occupational stress scores and VO₂ max values (p<0.05), indicating that higher levels of stress were associated with reduced aerobic capacity.

Conclusion: The study concludes that increased occupational stress is significantly linked to decreased aerobic capacity in nursing staff. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective stress management strategies and regular aerobic fitness assessments to promote better health outcomes among nursing professionals.