An Assessment of the Stress and Fatigue Levels of Caregivers in Jamaica during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Stress is defined as pressure or strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances, which can be physical, emotional, or psychological constantly. Hence, irrespective of one's knowledge or lifestyle, stress and fatigue are unavoidable presents in humans.

Objective: This study seeks to assess the stress and fatigue levels of caregivers in Jamaica and determine whether these have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method and Materials: A descriptive research design was used to carry out this study, with a sample of 403 caregivers across Jamaica. A standardized questionnaire was designed, and the internet was used to collect the data via Google Forms.

Findings: Of the sample respondents, majority were females (88.0%, n = 353), between the ages of 45-54 years (29.1%, n = 116) and have been caregivers for at least 10 years (24.8%, n = 99). The sample respondents have revealed that since the pandemic, their workload hours have increased (58.3%, n = 233). Furthermore, during COVID-19, the majority of the respondents indicated feeling stress and fatigue reasonably often (37.5% n.150) to very often (32.5%, n = 130) compared to 17.5 and 3.8%, respectively before COVID-19.A significant statistical relationship existed between an increased or decreased workload and stress and fatigue levels (?2(1) = 31.609^, P <0.0001). Almost 77% of those who indicated that their workload has increased were experiencing fair-to-very frequent stress and fatigue.

Conclusion: Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, respondents have reported working more than 60 hours per week, which will be a potential public health challenge for society.