Stress and coping abilities influence the health and work performance of nurses. However, little is known about the combined\ninfluence of stress perception and perceived coping adequacy and its impact on the health of nurses. This study examined the\nrelationship between stress, coping, and the combined influences of perceived stress and coping abilities on health and work\nperformance. A valid and reliable questionnaire was completed by 120 nurses in a Midwestern hospital in the USA. In general,\nthe nurses were not healthy: 92% had moderate-to-very high stress levels; 78% slept less than 8 hours of sleep per night; 69% did\nnot exercise regularly; 63%consumed less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day; and 22% were classified as binge drinkers.\nWhen confronted with workplace stress, 70% of nurses reported that they consumed more junk food and 63% reported that they\nconsumed more food than usual as a way of coping. Nurses in the ââ?¬Å?high stress/poor copingââ?¬Â group had the poorest health outcomes\nand highest health risk behaviors compared to those in other groups. The combined variables of perceived stress and perceived\ncoping adequacy influenced the health of nurses.Therefore, worksite health promotion programs for nurses should focus equally\non stress reduction, stress management, and the development of healthy coping skills.
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