Workload, coping strategies and work-related stress among prison officers working at Luzira Maximum Security Prison

Abstract

The study investigated the relationships between work-load, coping strategies and work-related stress among prison officers at Murchison Bay and Kampala Remand Luzira Maximum Security Prison. The specific objectives were: to determine the relationship between workload and work-related stress, to assess the relationship between workload and coping strategies, to examine the relationship between coping strategies and work-related stress, to establish the significant predictors of work-related stress among prison officers. The research design was a cross-sectional survey with a quantitative approach. The sample design was proportionate stratified random sampling, and random sampling technique for the final stage. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27. The Chi-square test was used to test hypothesis 1,2 and 3, and Multiple regression analysis to test hypothesis 4. Workload and work-related stress, workload and coping strategies, coping strategies and work-related stress had strong significant relationships, (p < .001). Multiple- regression analysis showed that only problem focused coping, emotion focused coping, and educational level had significant relationships with work-related stress, (p = .001, p = .032, p = .048) respectively. The recommendations were: To create a policy to guide the prison services, and to improve quantitative workload by increasing levels of staff and rescheduling working hours, improve qualitative workload by organizational support from supervisors and colleagues, create a strong positive organizational culture, training and development programs; address coping by prevention of work-related stress, job-rotation, sports activities and games, and other recreational activities, manage psychological stress by diagnosis, treatment and provision of psychological support; manage physical stress by diagnosis and treatment.