Work-family conflict as a stressor in the lifestyle of nurses: A content analysis

Context: Work–family conflict (WFC) is a consequence of imbalance and incompatibility, which influences the health and family relationship of nurses negatively and creates challenges for the individual and the organization. Aim: To explain the nurses’ view on the stressful effects of conflict between work and family on their lifestyle. 

Setting and Design: This qualitative investigation was a conventional content analysis and conducted by the use of purposive sampling selecting 25 nurses. 

Material and Methods: Unstructured interview was performed, and data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. The credibility and objectivity of the data were repeatedly checked by incorporating the data-gathering process, variety of participants and monitoring the participants in the investigation. 

Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was conducted by Graneheim and Lundman approach. The unit analysis in this study was the whole interviews, and the meaning units were distinguished in the statements and texts of the interview in the form of “sentence” or “paragraph” from which the open codes were extracted. Then, the categories, main categories, and themes were abstracted. 

Results: The final findings consist of two main themes: (i) the predisposing factors/the sources of WFC and (ii) coping/stress management and obstacles that each of which is formed by some categories. The core of the nurses’ efforts for eliminating WFC is creation of balance between different factors. 

Conclusion: Thus, resolving the problem is possible to use in access to resources and proportional circumstances. We propose that, in different societies, qualitative study be conducted on to explore preventive strategies and policies.