Perceived Stress,Anxiety,and Depression Levels Among Operating Room Nurses: Analysis of Work Experience and Other Associated Factors

Abstract

Background:

The operating room involves many physical, chemical, and biological risk factors. Operating room nurses may have to work in long, tense operations and with different teams. Such challenging working environments can cause operating room nurses to experience stress, anxiety and depression. Our aim was to analyze operating room nurses’ perceived stress, anxiety, and depression levels according to their experience in the operating room, and to identify associated factors.

Methods:

This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with 173 operating room nurses in Turkiye between June and December 2024. The sample was formed by the snowball method of convenience sampling. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis, independent-samples t-test, and linear regression analysis.

Results:

Perceived stress and anxiety scores were significantly higher among nurses with 0 to 1 year of experience in the operating room compared to those more than 1 year of experience (p < .05). In the linear regression model, HADS anxiety score, being female, and being single were found to be significant predictors of perceived stress. In addition, being female and having 0 to 1 year of operating room experience were found to be significant predictors of HADS anxiety score. Being female and not working with a fixed team were significant predictors of HADS depression score.

Conclusion/Application to Practice:

Perceived stress and anxiety were higher among nurses working in the operating room for year or less. A comprehensive mental health support system should be established, and nurses’ stress, anxiety, and depression levels should be assessed regularly.