Title:
The Effects of Workload on Nurses’ Mental Health in Katutura State Hospital in Windhoek, Namibia

Authors:
Tangi Tupavali Lukolo, Linda N Lukolo, Lukanga Charles Kimera, Namibia

Abstract:

Objective: Workload is the number of tasks and obligations that one has to perform or to complete within a specific period of time. The amount and type of work one does on a daily basis may have an effect on one’s health particularly mental health. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of workload on nurses’ mental health.
Materials & methods: A quantitative descriptive design was employed with purposive sampling to select a sample of participants using a pre-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided in five parts; the first part being the socio-demographic data, the second part was on workload, third part included questions on nursing shortages, the fourth part addressed issues of burnout and the final part addressed issues of mental health of nurses.
Results: Out of the 150 questionnaires handed out, 120 were returned by the participants. Ninety-four of the participants were females and 26 were males. The age range of the participants was 24-51years. The results of this study indicate that most nurses in Katutura Hospital are overworked and as a result present with symptoms of mental health classified as depression. Among other factors, staff shortage came out as a major contributing factor for the high levels of workload.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2021.5307