The impact of work-related stress on nursing: physical activity as a preventive strategy

Abstract

Work-related stress in nursing was identified as a growing problem that significantly affected the physical, emotional, and psychological health of healthcare personnel, especially in high-demand settings such as the city of Rosario, Argentina. This phenomenon manifested itself as a response to various internal and external factors, including work overload, structural conditions in healthcare centres, multiple jobs, and family responsibilities. It was highlighted that this situation reduced the quality of the service provided, increased the risk of errors and generated multiple physical and emotional symptoms, ranging from gastritis to anxiety or depression. In Rosario, where healthcare demand was intensified by the influx of patients from other localities, nurses were exposed to long working hours, staff shortages, demanding physical conditions, and frequent musculoskeletal injuries. These conditions exacerbated stress and affected the safety of both workers and patients. Against this backdrop, physical exercise was analysed as an effective tool to counteract the effects of stress. Studies showed that exercise strengthened the immune system, regulated the neuroendocrine system and improved overall well-being. However, it was noted that various personal and work-related obstacles made it difficult to exercise regularly. Finally, the need to implement institutional policies that promote physical exercise, adapted to the reality of nursing staff, was emphasised in order to preserve their health and ensure a safer and more humane working environment.