A Study of Psychometric Instruments and Constructs of Work-Related Stress among Seafarers: A Qualitative Approach.

Due to unpredictable and demanding working circumstances and the significant potential for dangers and accidents, seafaring has been characterised as one of the world's riskiest and stressful vocations that lead to physical and mental health problems. However, very few instruments measure work-related stress, particularly in a seafaring context. None of the instruments are psychometrically sound. Therefore, a valid and reliable instrument to measure seafaring work-related stress is indispensable. This study aims to review work-related stress instruments and to explore the work-related stress construct among seafarers in Malaysia. This study uses a systematic review and semi-structured interviews across two phases. In Phase 1, we conducted a systematic review of several databases: Academic Search Ultimate, Emerald Journal Premier, Journal Storage (JSTOR), ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Taylor and Francis Online, and Wiley Online Library based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). In 8975 articles, only 4 (four) studies used psychological instruments and 5 (five) studies used survey questionnaires to measure work-related stress. In Phase 2, we conducted a semi-structured interview with 25 (twenty-five) seafarers, online due to COVID-19 restrictions. The semi-structured interview indicated 6 (six) themes, namely, physical stress, personal issues, social living onboard, technostress, work factors, and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, the present study has identified three psychometric instruments for measuring work-related stress among seafarers: The Psychological General Well-Being Index, Perceived Stress Scale, and Job Content Questionnaire. We also found psychometric elements in some of the instruments are questionable, such as theoretical basis, construct development, and inadequate internal consistency value. In addition, this study also found that work-related stress is a multidimensional construct that needs to be studied based on work contexts. The findings of this study can contribute to the body of knowledge of a work-related stress construct in a seafaring context and could help to inform policy makers in the maritime industry. This study suggests a psychological instrument to measure work-related stress among seafarers in future studies.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Psychological and Social Stigma for Indonesian Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction: Nurses are on the front line and are at high risk of experiencing a mental health crisis during the pandemic due to the psychological impact and stigma. The aim of this study was to identify the role of psychological status and social stigma in anxiety, fear, depression, and mental health crises during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design during December 2020-August 2021. A total of 2,156 nurses who work in health facilities, either hospitals, or communities based on the criteria of nurses who interact directly with COVID-19 patients, work at least 3 months, age 20-54 years, are literate, have internet access, and have the ability to access the electronic form. The eligible participants filled in online questionnaires that were sent to them via WhatsApp. Data were analyzed using Spearman rho correlation test with statistically significant p value < 0.05. Results: A total of 2,156 respondents responded to the questionnaire, and the response rate was 100%. The psychological status of nurses was 78.4% moderate, 18.5% experienced social stigma, 44.0% showed an anxiety response, 53.5% fear, 64.5% depression in the very severe category, and 63.5% fell into a mental health crisis. The results of the inferential analysis showed that all P < 0.05 which indicated that psychological status and social stigma had a significant relationship with anxiety, fear, depression, and mental health crisis in nurses. Conclusion: The psychological status and social stigma experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic indicate a bad situation and lead to a mental health emergency crisis.