Effects of a work stress coping program based on social support theory for nurses returning to work after childbirth: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract Background Social support theory has been useful in stress management. The number of nurses returning to work after childbirth is increasing. However, return to work is often accompanied by substantial stress and return discomfort. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and implement coping measures based on social support theory. Objective To construct a work stress coping program based on social support theory and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing negative emotions and promoting return adaptation among nurses returning to work after childbirth. Design A two-armed, quasi-experimental study design. Methods Participants were assigned to either the intervention or control group depending on different hospital campuses. The control group received routine return management. The intervention group additionally received a 6-month stress coping program. Data at T0 (pre-intervention), T1 (one month post-intervention), T2 (three months post-intervention), and T3 (six months post-intervention) were collected. Intra- and inter-group differences were assessed using t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results No significant differences were found in baseline comparisons. After the intervention, the intervention group was more effective in improving work stress, postnatal depression, social support, and return adaptation compared to the control group. Significant group × time interactions were observed for work pressure, postpartum depression, and return adaptation. Conclusion The work stress coping program based on social support theory effectively alleviated the work stress and depression of nurses returning to work after childbirth and achieved a good return adaptation.