P-21 Stress among Female Healthcare Workers in the Caribbean: A Scoping Review

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across six academic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), Consumer Health (ProQuest), APA PsycArticles, and APA PsycInfo. Inclusion criteria were limited to studies focusing on female healthcare workers aged 18 and over, employed in Caribbean healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. Studies published in English with no time restrictions were included. Articles were screened based on relevance, and key data were extracted and synthesized to map the landscape of workplace stress among female healthcare workers in the Caribbean.

Results: The review identified multiple stressors affecting female healthcare workers, including high workloads and long hours, resource limitations, emotional and psychological demands, public health crises, and workplace interaction challenges. Many studies highlighted the impact of stress on mental health, with increased risks of burnout, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, stress was linked to job dissatisfaction, high turnover rates, and diminished quality of patient care, increasing the likelihood of medical errors and emotional detachment. The scoping review also revealed gaps in research, including a lack of region-specific studies, limited longitudinal data on stress trends, and insufficient research on intervention strategies.

Conclusion: Workplace stress is a significant concern for female healthcare workers in the Caribbean, with broad implications for both healthcare professionals and the quality of care provided. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policy interventions, organizational changes, and research on coping mechanisms to support healthcare workers’ well-being. Addressing these challenges is critical for the sustainability of the Caribbean healthcare system and ensuring equitable, high-quality patient care. Workplace stress is a significant concern for female healthcare workers in the Caribbean, with broad implications for both healthcare professionals and the quality of care provided. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policy interventions, organizational changes, and research on coping mechanisms to support healthcare workers’ well-being. Addressing these challenges is critical for the sustainability of the Caribbean healthcare system and ensuring equitable, highquality patient care.