| Abstract
Background & Objective
Following the implementation of the three-child policy, the proportion of elderly and high-risk parturients has risen markedly, leading to a dual increase in obstetric nursing risks and workload intensity. Occupational stress and job satisfaction among obstetric nurses are directly associated with maternal and infant safety. This study aimed to investigate the current status of occupational stress and job satisfaction among obstetric nurses, and to identify their key influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for targeted nursing management interventions in obstetrics.
Methods
A total of 249 obstetric nurses employed at our hospital between June 2024 and June 2025 were enrolled. The Chinese Nurse Stressor Scale (CNSS) and a self-developed job satisfaction questionnaire were used to assess occupational stress and job satisfaction, respectively. A total CNSS score higher than the norm (70 points) indicated generally high occupational stress. General demographic data were collected, and differences in job satisfaction among nurses with different characteristics were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with job satisfaction.
Results
The mean total CNSS score among the 249 obstetric nurses was 105.01 ± 3.40. Among them, 156 (62.65%) reported severe occupational stress, 73 (29.32%) moderate stress, and 20 (8.03%) mild stress. Differences in job satisfaction were statistically significant across groups stratified by professional title, marital status, educational level, employment form, average monthly income, and occupational stress level (all P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that primary professional title (OR = 1.669, 95%CI: 1.225–6.032, P = 0.008), married status (OR = 1.829, 95%CI: 1.404–5.997, P = 0.014), bachelor’s degree (OR = 1.579, 95%CI: 1.120–6.004, P = 0.011), contract employment (OR = 1.880, 95%CI: 1.306–10.985, P = 0.002), average monthly income ≤ 5000 RMB (OR = 1.992, 95%CI: 1.403–12.352, P = 0.001), and severe occupational stress (OR = 1.747, 95%CI: 1.239–11.197, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for reduced job satisfaction.
Conclusion
Obstetric nurses experience high occupational stress and low job satisfaction. Six major factors, including age, professional title, and occupational stress, are key contributors. Targeted intervention strategies should be developed across multiple dimensions, such as salary incentives, professional promotion pathways, and family support, to stabilize the obstetric nursing workforce. |
