AN ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING MENTAL WORKLOAD AMONG NURSES IN UNIVERSITY OF UYO TEACHING HOSPITAL

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study 

Human resources are widely regarded as the most fundamental, scarce, and critical component of modern healthcare systems. Nurses are the most common vocation in healthcare, hence the shortage is especially acute. It has been identified as one of the most significant hurdles to the successful and sustainable development of health systems in any country or region. It is anticipated that the globe would face a 5.7 million nurse shortage by 2030. In this setting, involuntary or voluntary overtime appeared to be one of the primary approaches of addressing personnel shortages. An extreme consequence of working overtime is having a heavy workload, which includes both physical and mental strain (MWL). But not all workloads—because of different tasks—can lead to subpar job performance. Thus, anticipating nurses' mental health, maximising human resource management, and guaranteeing medical services all depend on the accurate evaluation of MWL, as opposed to physical workload (Torres, 2023).

Perceived workload, or MWL, was initially defined in the field of ergonomics as the total beneficial impacts of mental and environmental elements influencing people. An alternative definition of MWL is the capacity for information processing that is employed in mental and perceptual tasks like decision-making, communication, computation, and research, as well as perceptual and cognitive processes. MWL, according to Carayon & Hoonakker (2022), is the amount of thinking, cognitive demand, or effort people put out to fulfil the physical and environmental requirements of a certain work. Scholars have endeavoured to employ diverse theoretical frameworks to elucidate the notion of MWL. Nevertheless, given the concept's complexity and multidimensionality, no consensus has been established about the definition of MWL (Torres, 2023).

Due to the unique nature of nursing, MWL is typically high for nurses while performing their jobs. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, nurses are among the top forty professions worldwide with a high disease frequency because of their demanding work schedules. A heavy MWL has been linked to a number of adverse consequences for patients, nurses, and organisations, according to reports. One of the frequent and significant causes of musculoskeletal disorders in nurses is acknowledged to be high MWL. According to a multicenter cross-sectional survey of Americans, employees' high mean work-life balance (MWL) and the physiological response it causes can result in muscular stress, which can later induce musculoskeletal diseases.

The mental strain that nurses endure is a serious problem that has an immediate effect on their productivity, wellbeing, and standard of patient care. The term "mental workload" describes the cognitive demands that people have when doing tasks, and it can be impacted by a number of variables in the healthcare setting. Long work hours, complicated patient demands, administrative responsibilities, and the emotional toll of patient care are some of the issues that affect nurses most frequently. These expectations could cause cognitive overload, which would then result in exhaustion, burnout, and a decline in job satisfaction (Shah & Al-Enezi, 2022). The mental workload has become more severe due to the increased complexity of healthcare services and nursing staff shortages. Therefore, study on this topic is essential to understanding how it affects nurse performance and patient outcomes.

According to recent research, contextual and individual factors influence nurses' mental burden. High patient-to-nurse ratios, time constraints, and inadequate support networks are major causes of cognitive strain, according to Santiago (2023). Furthermore, even while the use of technology in healthcare is meant to simplify operations, it can often cause additional complications and stress, particularly when nurses are not properly trained to operate these systems (Zhou et al., 2021). Nurses may experience cognitive overload as a result of additional factors such interpersonal dynamics with coworkers, administrative responsibilities, and the requirement for constant alertness in patient care.

The effects of mental strain extend beyond the wellbeing of nurses and have an impact on the standard of patient care. Increased errors in clinical settings, a decline in attention to detail, and a breakdown in communication with patients and colleagues have all been linked to high mental workload (Carayon & Hoonakker, 2022). Developing solutions to lessen the consequences of mental burden requires an understanding of its multidimensional character. This background emphasises how crucial it is to assess the factors affecting nurses' mental workloads in order to inform organisational policies and actions that support improved working conditions and improve patient care.

 Statement of the problem

The impact of mental workload on nurses' performance, mental health, and overall patient care outcomes has come to light. Nurses work in high-stress environments where they must maintain focus, make quick decisions, and exhibit emotional fortitude. These factors add to a substantial mental effort, as do lengthy work hours, high nurse-to-patient ratios, and the complexity of patient care (Galetto, 2023). To create solutions that can lessen the effects of mental burden and improve nurses' mental health as well as the quality of care they provide, it is crucial to understand the precise elements that influence mental workload among nurses.

According to recent research, the work environment, organisational support, and job expectations all have a big impact on mental burden. The main causes of mental exhaustion in nurses have been found to be high job demands, which include time constraints, workload intensity, and emotional strain (França, 2022). Moreover, these difficulties are made worse by insufficient organisational support, such as a lack of resources and inadequate managerial assistance, which makes it more difficult for nurses to meet the expectations of their line of work (Lin, 2021). Cognitive strain and job efficiency are also influenced by the physical work environment, which includes interruptions and noise levels (Torres et al., 2023).

A thorough analysis of the variables affecting mental burden is required because of the growing complexity of patient care, technological advancements in medicine, and the worldwide scarcity of nurses. If these issues are not resolved, nurses may experience burnout, lower job satisfaction, and a higher turnover rate (Westphal, 2023). In order to guide actions that support improved working conditions and patient care, this study intends to investigate the particular aspects impacting mental workload among nurses.

1.3 Objectives of the Study 

The primary objective of this study is to assess the factors influencing mental workload among nurses in UUTH. Specifically the study seeks:

To identify the specific factors contributing to mental workload among nurses at UUTH.

To analyse the impact of mental mental workload on job productivity among nurses in UUTH.

To assess the coping strategies employed by nurses to manage mental workload in UUTH.

To propose recommendations for reducing mental workload and improving overall well-being and performance among nurses in UUTH.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What are the specific factors contributing to mental workload among nurses at UUTH?

What are the impact of mental mental workload on job productivity among nurses in UUTH?

What are the coping strategies employed by nurses to manage mental workload in UUTH?

What are the recommendations for reducing mental workload and improving overall well-being and performance among nurses in UUTH?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The stated hypothesis will validate this study:

Ho1: There is no significant factors influencing mental workload among nurses in UUTH.

Ha1: There is a significant factors influencing mental workload among nurses in UUTH.

1.6 Significance of the study

The provision of healthcare depends heavily on nurses, who frequently shoulder heavy workloads that have a negative influence on their mental well-being and productivity at work. Through the identification and assessment of the variables influencing mental burden, this research seeks to offer insights that can guide improved workplace practices and management approaches. 

In the context of nursing, it is critical to comprehend mental workload since excessive cognitive and emotional demands can result in burnout, lower job satisfaction, and poor patient care. This study aims to draw attention to the particular factors. In doing so, it can assist policymakers and healthcare administrators in identifying the areas that need immediate attention and reform, ensuring that nursing staff members are properly equipped to carry out their tasks without endangering their own health.

Additionally, this study can add to the larger conversation on occupational health in the medical field. Given that the nursing profession is frequently marked by high levels of stress and abrupt changes in patient circumstances, it is imperative that mental workload be thoroughly addressed. The knowledge gathered from this research can help with the creation of focused training curricula and support networks intended to lessen the negative consequences of mental strain on nurses. These kinds of programs have the potential to increase the resilience of nurses, raise retention rates, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Finally, the results of the study can also be a useful tool for colleges and universities that train future nurses. Through the incorporation of mental workload variables into nursing curricula, educators can better equip students to meet the difficulties of the field. This proactive approach has the potential to mould the next generation of nurses into professionals who are not only adept in clinical practice but also possess the necessary skills to effectively manage their mental burden and preserve their mental well-being.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study aims to assess the factors influencing mental workload among nurses in UUTH. Empirically, this study assesses the specific factors contributing to mental workload among nurses, the impact of mental mental workload on job productivity among nurses, the coping strategies employed by nurses to manage mental workload and propose recommendations for reducing mental workload and improving overall well-being and performance among nurses.

This study will be carried out in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that it is a new discourse thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. However in spite of the constraint all these constraint were downplayed to give the best.

1.9 Definition of terms

Nurses: Nurses are healthcare professionals trained to care for individuals, families, and communities to help them achieve and maintain optimal health. They provide medical care, administer medications, monitor patient conditions, and offer support and education to patients and their families.

Factors: Factors are the elements or circumstances that contribute to a particular result or situation. They can influence outcomes in various contexts, such as in decisions, behaviors, or processes.

Mental workload: Mental workload refers to the amount of cognitive effort or mental resources required to complete a task. It encompasses the demands placed on a person's attention, memory, and decision-making abilities, which can affect their performance and well-being.

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