Occupational stress and addiction potential among psychiatric hospital staff: an analytical study

Background Employees working in psychiatric hospitals are exposed to high occupational stress (OS) which increases the probability of taking drugs. The present study aims to determine the relationship between OS and addiction potential (AP) among psychiatric hospital staff. Methods A total of 150 staff members of Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah in 2019 were selected using convenience methods. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics questionnaire, Elliott Occupational Stress Questionnaire (OSQ), and Weed et all's Addiction Potential Scale (APS). Results The 150 employees (59 females and 91 males) with mean age of 39.41 (7.84) were surveyed. The majority of employees, about 116 (77.3%), had low OS. Statistically significant relationships were found between OS plus AP and age group, marital status, educational level, and years of work experience of employees. The mean score of AP had a statistically significant difference between subjects with differences in working hours as well as smoking history. Also, the effect of OS was significant on the level of AP, active AP, and passive AP (all P < .05). Conclusion Considering the effect of OS on the level of AP, it is suggested that targeted interventions are planned and designed to reduce OS among psychiatric hospital staff.