2018 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 30-41
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of stress experiences, stress coping measures, systematic stress management measures and correlated factors in mental wellness among nurses despatched to devastated areas after a large scale disaster.
Methods: A total of 804 healthcare personnels, who were despatched on a mission to the great east Japan earthquake in 2011, completed a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, t- test, and multiple linear regression analysis.
Results: The questionnaire response rate was 50.0%. In the descending order of high-level stressful events among the nurses were "a feeling of incompetence", "witnessing overwhelming destruction", and "witnessing severe trauma". In the descending order, the effective rates of self-care measures were "meditation", "imagery techniques", "talking to team members", "looking at photos of family members", and "using humor". Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the number of stressful events had a substantial impact on mental wellness (β=.435; p<.000), whereas mutual assistance in the team and assistance after the mission had a small impact on mental wellness (β=-.148, p<.01; β=-.110, p<.05).
Conclusion: This study revealed that mental wellness among nurses despatched to devastated areas after a large scale disaster was correlated with stress experiences, systematic stress management measures. Effective systematic stress management measures should be adopted throughout the mission process to maintain mental wellness among nurses despached to devastated areas after a large scale disaster.
