Level of Stress Among Speech and Language Pathologists Working in Clinical Setups
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Abstract
Background: The manifestation of stress symptoms has a broad impact on physiological, cognitive, and emotional domains. For speech and language pathologists (SLPs), the ability to identify and manage stress is essential, as it directly influences their professional performance and the quality of care provided to patients and clients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study gathered data from speech-language pathologists employed in hospitals and rehabilitation centres throughout Punjab. The sample was determined using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, enrolling 242 participants. An online survey was administered to collect data, targeting SLPs in clinical settings with at least one year of experience. The survey consisted of both male and female professionals across various age groups. The Work Stress Questionnaire (WSQ) was employed to measure stress levels.
Results: The study's cohort had an average age of 28.35 ± 7.97 years, comprising 26 males (10.7%) and 216 females (89.3%). The average work experience among the participants was 4.4 ± 5.62 years, with stress scores averaging at 15.10 ± 5.14. A breakdown of stress levels revealed that 8 participants (3.3%) experienced mild stress, 80 (33.1%) moderate stress, and 154 (63.6%) severe stress. Notably, a significant association was observed between stress levels and factors such as qualification level and gender (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that most speech-language pathologists endure severe work-related stress. Addressing this concern is imperative to ensure the well-being of SLPs and the efficacy of speech therapy services.
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