Prevalence of job stress, burnout and coping strategies among the workers at Colombo Sea port in Sri Lanka

Nissanka Achchi Kankanamalage Ayoma Iroshanee Nissanka, Monika Priyadarshani Wijeratne, Herath Mudiyanselage Chaminda Prasad Herath

Abstract


Background

Job stress and burnout are prevalent among workers in high demand environments, such as the Colombo Sea Port. This study explores the prevalence of job stress, burnout, and coping strategies among sea port workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 427 workers at the Colombo Sea Port. Data were collected using structured questionnaires focusing on job stress, burnout, and coping strategies. The prevalence of job stress and burnout was assessed, and ANOVA tests were used to identify differences based on demographic and job-related factors. Chi-square tests were employed to explore the relationship between coping strategies and stress levels.

Results

The study found that 66.7% of workers reported low levels of job stress, while 9.6% reported severe stress. Burnout, particularly occupational exhaustion, was high among workers, with 30% experiencing a high degree of burnout. Problem focused coping strategies were used by 84.5% of workers, while 70.3% used emotion focused strategies. Statistically significant differences in job stress and burnout were found across education, income, job category, and service experience while the coping strategies were significantly associated with job stress and burnout levels.

Conclusions

The findings highlight a high prevalence of job stress and burnout among sea port workers, with coping strategies playing a critical role in managing stress. Interventions targeting job stress, burnout prevention, and promoting effective coping mechanisms are essential for improving workers' mental health.


Keywords


Job stress, Coping strategies, job insecurity, job performance, Job Satisfaction, Psychological Well-Being

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v49.2.7042

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