Abstract

AIM: This study aimed at determining the job stressors and coping strategies among Nigerian Ophthalmologists.
METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during the annual congress and scientific conference of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria which took place at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, South-Western Nigeria between 14th and 18th September,2008. Eighty Nigerian ophthalmologists out of the two hundred and eight that attended the conference were selected by simple random sampling and interviewed by the author for correspondence and two assistants with the aid of structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed with SPSS 12.0.1.
RESULTS: There were 34 males (42.5%) and 46 females (57.5%).The respondents comprised of 48 (60%) Consultants, 4 (5%) Diplomates and 28 (35%) Resident Doctors. Sources of stress included no time for leisure (73.75%), overwork (68.75%) and financial constraint (68.75%).The coping strategies were inspiration from religious belief (95%), acceptance of the reality of stress (88.75%) and humour (88.75%).
CONCLUSION: The leading job stressor was no time for leisure followed by overwork and financial constraint. Most respondents drew inspiration from religious belief to cope with stress. There is need for creation of recreational facilities in the hospitals and improvement in the welfare package of medical practitioners

Key words: Ophthalmologists, occupational stress, Nigeria

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