Perceived Workplace Stress Levels and Coping Strategies of Military Personnel in a Nigerian Barrack

Abstract

Background: Stress is a recognized cause of impaired job functioning and unproductivity in workplaces. The military environment is reported to be highly stressful. This study determined the levels of stress among Nigerian military personnel in 82 division Abakpa Cantonment, Enugu and also evaluated some stressors, as well as the coping strategies of these personnel.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out between July and August 2020 among 261 Nigerian military personnel selected using a multistage sampling method. Data collection was done using a self-administered questionnaire (Perceived Stress Scale). Descriptive statistics were used for demographic variables while multiple linear regression was done to determine the influence of the independent variables (age, gender, marital status, etc.) on the dependent variable (stress). Level of significance was p < 0.05.

Results: Majority were males (80.5%) and married (78%). Mean age was 38±10 years and most (63.3%) had worked for < 20 years. About 51.0% and 1.9% had moderate and severe stress levels, respectively. The commonest perceived causes of stress included underremuneration (32.6%), undervalued (26.1%), heavy workload (18%) and harassment (18%). The commonest positive coping strategies include talking to friends and family (36.0%) and thinking of solution (23.0%) while negative coping styles were eating (9.2%) and alcohol use (6.9%).

Conclusion: More than half of the respondents had moderate level of stress. Government should ensure regular review of personnel salary structure. Also, commissioned officers should be trained in proper handling of non-commissioned officers in order to further reduce the level of stress.