Journal of Nurses Voice and Impact

Occupational Stress Among Nursing Staff at Synod Hospital, Durtlang, Aizawl, Mizoram

R. C Lalrengpuii — 2026-05-22

Nurses play a vital function in the healthcare organisation, functioning not only as direct care providers but also as patient advocates, educators, and sources of emotional support for individuals and families during critical periods of illness. They do far more than just treating and assisting the patients or giving medication; they hear, listen, comfort, and educate the patients and their attendants, and never fail to be an advocate for every life passing by them. Beyond this clinical expertise, they bring a human touch to the structured field of medicine, reminding that healing is not only through medications and following the right guidelines and steps, but through the mind and spirit. Despite their essential contributions, nurses frequently encounter substantial challenges in their professional roles and are often perceived as one of the demanding occupations with high and sophisticated demands. Extended working hours, physically demanding tasks, and the constant need to respond to urgent clinical situations contribute to significant occupational strain. In addition, personal circumstances such as family responsibilities and socioeconomic background may further influence their stress levels. A study was conducted among 70 nurses to evaluate the extent of occupational stress and examine its relationship with selected demographic variables. The findings showed that the occupational stress levels were significantly associated with factors like years of professional experience, family income, and current employment status, and the majority of the samples had a moderate level of occupational stress.

Advancing Maternal and Child Health in Economically Disadvantaged Settings: The Role of Community Health Workers

Alphonsa Lizzy Mathew — 2026-05-29

Maternal and child health (MCH) remains a major public health priority, particularly in low-income settings where access to essential healthcare services is often limited. Although global efforts have contributed to reductions in maternal and child mortality, substantial disparities continue to exist due to socioeconomic inequalities, weak healthcare infrastructure, and underutilization of available services. In such contexts, Community Health Workers (CHWs) have emerged as an important strategy for strengthening primary healthcare systems and improving health outcomes. This narrative review examines the role of CHWs in promoting maternal and child health services and identifies key challenges influencing their performance in low-income settings. CHWs function as a vital link between healthcare systems and communities by providing accessible and culturally appropriate services. Their roles include promoting antenatal care, facilitating institutional deliveries, supporting postnatal care, improving immunization coverage, enhancing child nutrition, and managing common childhood illnesses. Through home visits, health education, and community engagement, CHWs contribute to improved awareness and encourage positive health-seeking behaviors. Evidence indicates that CHW interventions are associated with increased utilization of maternal health services, including early antenatal registration and skilled birth attendance. Their involvement in promoting institutional deliveries has contributed to reductions in maternal and neonatal complications. During the postnatal period, CHWs support breastfeeding practices, monitor maternal recovery, and provide guidance on newborn care. In child health, they play a significant role in improving immunization coverage, identifying malnutrition, and managing common childhood conditions such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. These contributions are particularly important in underserved populations with limited access to formal healthcare services. However, the effectiveness of CHW programs is influenced by several systemic and operational challenges. Factors such as inadequate training, heavy workload, limited financial incentives, and weak supervisory mechanisms can affect their performance and reduce program effectiveness. Additionally, issues related to role clarity, resource availability, and integration with formal healthcare systems further impact service delivery. Strengthening CHW programs requires a comprehensive approach that includes continuous training, supportive supervision, adequate remuneration, and strong policy support. Better integration of CHWs within formal healthcare systems and improved coordination with other healthcare providers can enhance service delivery and accountability. In conclusion, CHWs play a crucial role in improving maternal and child health outcomes in low-income settings. Strengthening their capacity and addressing systemic challenges are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery and advancing public health goals.

A Study to Evaluate Diabetic Patients' Knowledge of Periodontal Disease Prevention and Management in Specific Mysuru Areas

Supritha N. R. — 2026-07-02

Background: Every person’s well-being and quality of life are impacted by oral health, which is essential to general health. It has an impact on social relations and oral functions. One of the key issues with public health is diabetes mellitus (DM). There is a well-established link between diabetes and periodontitis, and both conditions can affect one another’s onset, course, and consequences. Diabetes raises the incidence, severity, and extent of periodontitis (i.e., the number of teeth impacted). These are mostly avoidable. Therefore, to create public health campaigns and motivate individuals to alter their lives, data on people’s knowledge and awareness of the connection between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease might be gathered.

Objective: To evaluate diabetes patients’ understanding of periodontal disease prevention and treatment.

Methodology: Convenience sampling was used to choose 60 diabetic patients in Mysuru for this study, which used a descriptive research methodology. The tool and study methodology were deemed feasible after a pilot study was conducted. A systematic knowledge questionnaire was used to assess the participants’ understanding of managing and preventing periodontal disease. The tool was validated by experts, and its reliability was assessed using the split-half method. The data were gathered and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: According to the results of this study, 38 (63.33%) of the diabetic patients had average knowledge about the prevention and management of periodontal disease, 18 (30%) had poor knowledge, and the remaining 4 (6.66%) had good knowledge. This was determined by administering a structured knowledge questionnaire. Patients with diabetes scored between 5 and 21 on the knowledge scale for managing and preventing periodontal disease. The knowledge score was 14.11 on average, with a standard deviation of ±3.45 and a median of 14. Gender, educational attainment, occupation, income, family type, smoking habit, and information source were found to be significantly correlated.

Conclusion: Most diabetic patients had a mediocre understanding of periodontal disease, according to the study’s findings. Hence, it is recommended that structured educational programmes be organized to create awareness among diabetic patients and the public.

Burnout and Psychological Stress Among Healthcare Professionals: A Comprehensive Review

Subrahmanya Nayak — 2026-07-04

Burnout and psychological stress have emerged as significant occupational health concerns among healthcare professionals worldwide, affecting individual well-being, patient safety, and healthcare system performance. This narrative review aimed to examine the prevalence, causes, consequences, and preventive strategies related to burnout and psychological stress among healthcare workers. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Web of Science databases. Eleven articles published between 2010 and 2025 were included based on predefined inclusion criteria, including peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, observational studies, and reports focusing on healthcare professionals. Non-English publications and studies unrelated to burnout and psychological stress in healthcare settings were excluded. The reviewed evidence indicated that burnout prevalence among healthcare professionals ranges from approximately 30% to 70%, with nurses, physicians, and frontline healthcare workers being particularly vulnerable. Major contributing factors included excessive workload, long working hours, staff shortages, workplace violence, emotional burden, administrative pressures, and inadequate organizational support. Burnout was consistently associated with emotional exhaustion, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, reduced job satisfaction, increased medical errors, lower patient satisfaction, and higher staff turnover. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated psychological stress and burnout across healthcare settings. Evidence from the included studies suggests that organizational interventions such as adequate staffing, supportive leadership, counselling services, resilience training, stress management programs, and healthy work environments can effectively reduce burnout and improve workforce well-being. Addressing burnout through comprehensive organizational and policy-level strategies is essential for strengthening healthcare workforce sustainability, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare services.