Problem-Solving as the Predominant Coping Strategy Among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Second Health Cluster of Riyadh

Shatha K. Almutairi; Sharifa M. Alasiry

doi:10.47310/jpms202515S0124

Author(s)

Shatha K. Almutairi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Khalid Hospital, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia

Sharifa M. Alasiry Department of Adult care and Advanced Nursing Practice, Nursing College, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Nursing is a demanding profession often associated with high occupational stress, which can negatively influence nurses' well-being and compromise patient care. Assessing how nurses cope with workplace stress is crucial for developing strategies that enhance resilience and clinical performance. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the coping strategies used by nurses working in the Riyadh Region and to examine the association between these coping mechanisms and key demographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative descriptive study was conducted at the second cluster hospital in Riyadh Region (King Fahad Medical City, Prince Mohamed and King Khalid Majmaah Hospital. A total of 425 nurses employed in major hospitals across the Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia, participated in the study. Data were collected using the validated Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) tool. Results: Problem-solving emerged as the predominant coping strategy, with 56.2% of nurses demonstrating high usage (mean score: 26.1±4.6). Seeking social support was moderately utilized, with 53.6% reporting moderate use (mean score: 24.2±5.1), while avoidance strategies were also used at moderate levels (58.4%; mean score: 23.4±4.6). Significant associations were observed between problem-solving coping and age, educational level, work experience and clinical work area (p<0.05). Seeking social support was significantly associated with age (p = 0.028), whereas avoidance coping showed significant associations with educational level, work experience and work area (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nurses predominantly adopt adaptive coping strategies; however, younger and less-experienced nurses remain more vulnerable to stress and are more likely to rely on avoidance mechanisms. Strengthening coping skills through targeted interventions may promote psychological wellbeing and enhance patient care outcomes.

Publication Details

Page(s) 120-127

DOI 10.47310/jpms202515S0124

Published Journal: Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences, Volume: 15, Issue: s1, Year: 2026

Request the full text from PASTIC

Keywords

Coping strategies, Social support, Nurses, Problem Solving, Saudi Arabia, Stress Management

References

Balay-Odao E.M. .2020 .Hospital Preparedness, Resilience and Psychological Burden Among Clinical Nurses Addressing the COVID-19 Crisis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. , 573932 : .

Lee T.S.H. . .. Impact of Coping Strategies on Nurses' Wellbeing and Practice.” Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(2019) : 197-204.

Nazari S. . .The Relationship Between Received and Perceived Social Support with Ways of Coping in Nurses. ” Work, 78(2024) : 1247-1255.

Ma Al,Fatigue Al .2020 .Workload and Perceived Patient Safety Culture Among Critical Care Nurses. British Journal of Nursing, 29(1) : 28-34.

Riedel B. .2021 .. Mental Health Disorders in Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications and Coping Strategies.” Frontiers in Public Health, 707358 : 707358.

Buerhaus P.I. . .Four Challenges Facing the Nursing Workforce in the United States. ” Journal of Nursing Regulation, 8256(17) : 30097-2.

Ahmed W.A.,Mohammed B.M. .2019 .Stress and Coping Strategies During Clinical Training in KSA. , 02(2019) : 116-122.

Elmorshedy H. .2020 .Contemporary Public Image of the Nursing Profession in Saudi Arabia. ” BMC Nursing, 19 : 1-8.

Alsadaan N. .2021 .Challenges Facing the Nursing Profession in Saudi Arabia: An Integrative Review. Nursing Reports, 11(2) : 395-403.

Pahlavanzadeh S.,May- S. . .Effects of Stress Management Program on the Quality of Nursing Care and Intensive Care Unit Nurses. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 21(3) : 180376-9066.

Johansen M.L.,J.L. O'Brien. M.L.,January- M.L. .2016 .Decision Making in Nursing Practice: A Concept Analysis. ” Nursing Forum, 51(1) : 40-48.

Booker L.A. .2024 .Nurse Rostering and Shift Work Fatigue Risks. ” BMC Nursing, 23(1) : .

Wang Q. .2023 .Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress, Burnout in Nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Frontiers in Psychiatry. , 1218340 : .

Alharbi J. .2019 .. Compassion Fatigue in Critical Care Nurses.” Australian Critical Care, 08(2020) : 553-559.

Nowrouzi B. . .. Occupational Stress Management Interventions in Nursing.” Workplace Health & Safety, 63(2015) : 308-315.

Vanbelleghem S.,July -September .2022 .Barriers and Enablers of SecondOrder Problem-Solving Behavior: How Nurses Can Break Away From the Workaround Culture.” Quality Management in Health Care. , 31(3) : 130-142.

Sun L. .2016 .The Impact of Professional Identity on Role Stress in Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 08 : 1-8.

Taylor .2011 .. Social Support: A Review.” Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology, : .

Wiebe D.J. “Avoidance,Coping D.J. “Avoidance .2020 .. , : 112.