A Comparison Study of the Influence of Work Stress and Productivity of Lecturers Vs Medical Doctors

Abstract

This study examined and compared the influence of work stress on the productivity of university lecturers and Medical Doctors in selected federal universities and the affiliated teaching hospitals in Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population comprised 5,917 lecturers and medical doctors, from which a sample of 375 respondents (266 lecturers; 70.9% and 109 medical doctors; 29.1%) was selected using proportionate random sampling. Data were collected using the Influence of Work-Stress on the Productivity of Lecturers and Medical Doctors Questionnaire (IWSPLMDQ), a 57-item instrument with a reliability index of 0.82. Data were analysed using mean statistics, t-test and one-way ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a high level of occupational stress among respondents, with an overall sectional mean of 2.81 for sources of stress, 2.60 for manifestations, and 2.61 for management strategies. Major stressors included lack of instruments and obsolete infrastructure (Mean = 3.15), long working hours (Mean = 3.11), work–family conflict (Mean = 3.04), and frequent call or lecture duties (Mean = 2.95). Common manifestations were constant fatigue (Mean = 2.94), body pain and headaches (Mean = 2.92), lack of concentration (Mean= 2.89), and sleep disturbances (Mean = 2.88). The most frequently adopted coping strategy was relaxing or sleeping in a quiet environment (Mean = 3.17). Significant differences were found between lecturers and medical doctors in sources of stress (t = 6.764, p < 0.001), manifestations (t = 5.170, p < 0.001), and management strategies (t = 3.520, p < 0.001). Among lecturers, rank significantly influenced sources of stress (F = 7.639, p = 0.001) and management strategies (F = 4.111, p = 0.017), whereas among medical doctors, rank had no significant effect. The study concludes that work stress is prevalent among both lecturers and medical doctors and significantly affects their productivity, with variations across profession, gender, and rank. It recommends institutional stress-management programmes, improved work environments, staff recruitment to reduce workload, and the integration of stress education into professional training.