Perceived stress and burnout in nurses – the moderating role of age and network analysis perspective

Introduction and Objective. The primary focus of the study was to examine the relationship between stress and burnout among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special emphasis on exploring the moderating impact of age. Building upon Cohen, Camarck and Mermelstein’s notion of perceived stress and Maslach’s comprehensive understanding of burnout, the research aimed to shed light on how these factors interact within the nursing profession. Materials and Method. The research employed a cross-sectional approach, conducting an extensive analysis through online surveys with a substantial cohort of 463 nurses. Two measures were used: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results. The results of the study confirmed a positive and notable link between stress and burnout across all identified dimensions. Notably, age emerged as a crucial moderator, demonstrating statistical significance, particularly in the area of reduced personal accomplishment. The moderating effect of age was most pronounced within the oldest age group, highlighting the nuanced role of age in influencing the stress-burnout dynamic among nurses. Additionally, network analysis revealed consistent connectivity between stress and burnout nodes across age cohorts, underscoring the robustness of these associations within the nursing population. Conclusions. The study confirmed the relationship between stress and burnout among nurses and highlights the moderating role of age, especially concerning reduced personal accomplishment. Urgent interventions are needed to equip nurses of all ages with coping strategies, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.