The effect of the online stress management program on individual workload perception and stress in nurses: a non-randomized quasi-experimental design study

One of the most important factors causing stress in nurses is a perception of high workload. However, the efficacy of any intervention is contingent upon the specificity of its content, delivery method, and structural alignment. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a structured Online Stress Management (OSM) program on nurses’ workload perception and stress. This study used a quasi-experimental study design with a pre-test, post-test control group was carried out between April 2024 and June 2025 at a university-affiliated hospital in Türkiye. The participants consist of a total of 86 nurses (experimental group n = 42 and control group n = 44) selected through purposeful sampling. Due to workload, shift schedules, and voluntary participation, non-probability convenience sampling was employed. The experimental group was given a stress management programme on an online platform as 40–50 min sessions once a week for six weeks. Data were collected with the “Participant Information Form,” ‘Individual Workload Perception Scale’ (IWPS), and ‘Nurse Stress Scale’ (NSS). Time and group changes in individual workload perception and stress were computed using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to test the between-group differences from baseline to six weeks. After the intervention, the total IWPS (27.21 ± 18.16) and NSS (-23.89 ± 6.30) scores of the experimental group changed significantly compared to the baseline (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, a significant difference was found regarding the changes seen in the inter-group peer support, workload and intent to stay sub-dimension and total IWPS scores (group*time interaction; p < 0.05) and changes observed in workload, conflict with peers and insufficient support sub-dimension and total NSS scores (group*time interaction; p < 0.001). This study showed that the OSM program reduced nurses’ stress and workload perception. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06406361 (Initial Release: 05/06/2024).