مؤسسة الشرق الأوسط للنشر العلمي
عادةً ما يتم الرد في غضون خمس دقائق
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between occupational stress and secondary traumatic stress among oncology nurses in Palestine, and to identify key occupational and personal predictors of STS. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was used. The sample consisted of N = 293 oncology nurses working in public hospitals, private hospitals, and specialized oncology centers in Palestine. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic and work-related characteristics, a validated occupational stress scale, and a standardized STS scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Overall, nurses reported moderate levels of occupational stress and secondary traumatic stress. Occupational stress showed a significant, positive association with STS, indicating that higher levels of work-related stress were linked to higher levels of secondary traumatic symptoms. Longer weekly working hours and more frequent exposure to traumatic clinical situations were associated with increased STS scores, whereas perceived social and organizational support were related to lower STS levels. Conclusion: The findings highlight the psychological burden faced by oncology nurses in Palestine and underscore the need for organizational interventions aimed at reducing work-related stressors, optimizing staffing and workload, and promoting supportive work environments and mental health services. Targeted programs to enhance coping strategies and social support may help mitigate secondary traumatic stress and improve nurses’ well-being and quality of care.