Relationship between Stress Perceived and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Intensive Care Nurses During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between perceived stress and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak in the intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 nurses working in the ICUs of a hospital in eastern Turkey. Descriptive, chi-square and multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze data. In the last three months, 48.2% of the nurses had complaints such as heartburn, 44.1% abdominal distension, 41.7% diarrhea/ constipation. The mean perceived stress level experienced by the nurses was found to be 29.30±5.73. Results from regression analysis included perceived stress score, gender, perceived health status, diet, having been infected with COVID-19 before and risk degree of the ICU in question in terms of COVID-19 revealed a statistically significant associated with scores obtained from GI symptoms. Perceived stress level, health perception status, having been infected with COVID-19 before and the high-risk status of the intensive care unit in question for COVID-19 were predictive factors for the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms. These findings may provide a basis for creating a healthy work environment where factors contributing to work-related stress are reduced and coping strategies are developed. Keywords: gastrointestinal symptoms, intensive care, nurses, stress