Background: Midwives experience high levels of perceived stress due to the nature of their work. Certain factors can play a significant role in occupational stress experience of this group. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of emotional intelligence in occupational stress among midwives.
Methods: In this descriptive - correlational study, 250 midwives working in health centers and public and private hospitals in Rasht from May to September 2012 were entered into the study by random sampling method. Demographic, emotional intelligence and occupational stress questionnaires were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistics including independent t-test, one way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression at the significant level of P <0.05 in SPSS version 23.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of emotional intelligence (114.20 ± 12.55) and midwifery occupational stress (119.66 ± 15.48). Occupational variables including workplace (Private Hospital: β=-0. 19,P=0.012) , overtime hours (β = -0.33, P = 0.001), sleeping hours (β = 0.13, P = 0.011), social activity (β = 0.11, P = 0.029) , age of the midwife (β = 0.25, P = 0.045), and the overall score of emotional intelligence (β = 0.55, P = 0.001) were predictors of occupational stress (P <0.05). These variables explained 49 % of variance of occupational stress.
Conclusions: The occupational stress of midwives is affected by certain individual and occupational factors. Therefore, by modifying or changing some of these variables such as emotional intelligence, the midwives' occupational stress may be reduced. In addition, by designing effective programs in this field, midwives can improve their performance by reducing their stress levels.
