The Impact of Occupational Challenges on the Professional Healthcare Competence and Mental Health of Women Working in Zliten Hospitals

الملخص

This study aims to examine the professional challenges faced by women employed in hospitals and healthcare facilities in the municipality of Zliten, and to assess their impact on mental health and job performance. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study surveyed a sample of 115 female participants using a structured questionnaire that measured psychological, economic, social, and organizational challenges. Findings revealed that 65% of respondents experienced severe psychological stress due to extended working hours, and 70% reported exposure to various forms of workplace discrimination. Additionally, 50% indicated that their salaries were insufficient to meet basic living needs, contributing to chronic economic pressure. Moreover, 55% of the participants reported persistent health symptoms such as anxiety, hypertension, and sleep disturbances. The study identified a strong positive correlation between occupational stress and the deterioration of mental well-being, alongside reduced job satisfaction and increased risk of burnout. The findings underscore the necessity of institutional interventions, including the development of flexible policies, the provision of psychosocial support, and the implementation of sustainable training and capacity-building programs. The study recommends structural reforms to enhance the work environment within the healthcare sector. These include advancing employment equity frameworks, improving compensation systems, and institutionalizing psychological support initiatives. Ensuring the well-being of female healthcare workers is positioned as a key lever for elevating healthcare service quality and sustaining an effective female workforce.