Opportunities, Challenges, And Stress, As Seen By Staff Of In A New Private Medical University

Background: The setting up of a new institution is often associated with some difficulties amidst achievements, which have been reported in studies across the globe in medical and non-medical related institutions. The aim of this study was to highlight the multidimensional opportunities, challenges, and job-related stress as experienced by staff in a new Medical University in the year 2020/2021.

Materials and Methods: Using a predesigned questionnaire, this cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among members of staff of a Private University licensed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Results: The total number of staff studied was 128. For opportunities available, respondents had a mean score of 11.43 (minimum of 5 and maximum of 25), implying a moderate impact. The mean stress score at work (for academic workload, research and career development, and work environment) was 10.84 implying high stress. A positive correlation was observed between post-qualification experience score on challenges and impact on departmental work, and this relationship was statistically significant p = 0.000.

Conclusion: The establishment of clinical departments in the new medical university has created room for opportunities, however challenges were numerous with its associated stress. Effort should be directed at enhancing the opportunities and addressing the expressed challenges that reduce job satisfaction.