INVESTIGATING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN SELF-EFFICACY AND MENTAL HEALTH OF NURSES AND HEAD NURSES

Because of having relationships with the community and the patients, nurses need
a thorough mental health to be able to continue their profession as a nurse. On the other hand, mental
health can be improved through self-efficacy enhancement. The objective of this study is defining the
correlation between self-efficacy and mental health of nurses and head nurses working in educational
hospitals of the city of Bandar Abbas.
Materials & Methods: The present study is a descriptive-correlation study. 115 nurses and head nurses
working in educational hospitals of the city of Bandar Abbas were selected through relative stratified
sampling in 2011. Data collection tool was a three part questionnaire, having been checked for validity
and reliability, including demographic data, general health questionnaire, and general self-efficacy
questionnaire. Data collected was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 18. Descriptive tests (mean
and standard deviations) and inferential statistic tests (Pearson correlation coefficient and regression)
were performed with the significance level of p<0.05.
Results: The average age was 29.88 (SD=6.09) for nurses and 41.51 (SD=5.64) for head nurses. 84
nurses and 31 head nurses took part in the study. A significant negative correlations between selfefficacy and mental health of nurses (P <0.001 & R=-0.455) and head nurses (P <0.001 & R=-0.642)
were observed. Social function was a strong predictor of self-efficacy and mental health among nurses,
and anxiety and insomnia were strong predictors among head nurses.
Conclusion: Factors as individuals’ beliefs and expectations from their abilities for enhancing mental
health, holding workshops and educational courses for coping with job stress, reducing job conflicts,
and a compatible and appropriate environment can be effective in the enhancement of nurses and head
nurses’ mental health