Management of Occupational Stress Among Public Health Workers in Tertiary Hospitals in Ondo State, South West Nigeria

Occupational stress among public health workers in Nigerian tertiary hospitals is an escalating concern, affecting staff well-being, quality of patient care, and workforce retention. This study examines the prevalence, sources, and management strategies for occupational stress among public health workers in tertiary hospitals in Ondo State. A cross-sectional design is applied to 310 public health workers including health educators, environmental health officers, and community health extension workers across two tertiary institutions and six general hospitals in Akure and Ondo town. The Perceived Stress Scale and a tailored occupational stressors questionnaire are used to assess stress levels, workload burden, role ambiguity, organisational support, and coping mechanisms. Data are analysed using SPSS with multiple regression identifying predictors of high stress scores. Literature on health worker occupational health in South West Nigeria identifies staff shortage, poor remuneration, and inadequate managerial support as dominant stressors driving burnout and absenteeism. The Demand-Control-Support Model of occupational stress provides the conceptual framework, examining the interplay of job demands, autonomy, and social support in stress outcomes. Findings will support the Ondo State Hospital Management Board in implementing evidence-based staff wellness policies, supervision frameworks, and peer support systems. The study contributes to workforce resilience literature within the context of health system strengthening. Keywords: occupational stress, public health workers, tertiary hospitals, coping mechanisms, Ondo State.