<![CDATA[Background: Work-related stress occurs when occupational stressors, either individually or in combination with other factors, interact with personal characteristics, resulting in disturbances to physiological and psychological equilibrium. The emergence of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has not only posed substantial threats to physical health but has also exerted a profound impact on mental well-being. At the individual level, the pandemic has generated fear of infection, anxiety related to severe illness or mortality, feelings of helplessness, and social stigmatization. Consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a widespread psychological crisis, particularly among healthcare workers. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of individual characteristics, opportunity factors, constraints, and job demands on the incidence of occupational stress among healthcare workers involved in COVID-19 management at public health centres and hospitals in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Specifically, the study sought to identify evidence-based strategies for managing and mitigating work-related stress among health professionals in healthcare facilities in Kendari City. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the influence of multiple variables on occupational stress among healthcare workers managing COVID-19 cases in Southeast Sulawesi. Data were collected from 761 respondents working in public health centres and hospitals. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associations between individual characteristics, opportunity factors, constraints, job demands, and the occurrence of occupational stress. Results: The results indicated that opportunity factors, constraints, and job demands had a statistically significant effect on the occurrence of occupational stress among COVID-19 healthcare workers in Southeast Sulawesi. Conclusion: Policymakers and healthcare administrators should prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to effectively reduce occupational stress among healthcare workers in order to ensure optimal service delivery. The management of work-related stress should adopt an organizational and systemic approach that strengthens preventive measures both during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress mitigation efforts should be integrated at individual and institutional levels, supported by motivational interventions and policy frameworks aimed at reducing the risk of psychological disorders and addressing the underlying determinants of occupational stress.]]>
Copyrights © 2025
