Magnitude and Determinants of Stress and Self-Reported Coping Strategies among Employed Women in the MENA region: A Narrative Review.

Stress among employed women is a significant global issue influenced by various socio-demographic, workplace, and personal factors, impacting their mental and physical health as well as overall well-being. This literature review explores the prevalence and determinants of stress and self-reported coping strategies among employed women in the United Arab Emirates. The review highlights the significant strides the UAE has made toward gender equality and women's active participation in the workforce. Despite these advancements, employed women face unique stressors related to job demands, work-life balance, societal expectations, and cultural norms. The review draws on various theoretical models of stress and coping, providing insights into how stress manifests and impacts mental and physical health. It also discusses the prevalence of stress among employed women globally, focusing on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the UAE. Stress-related factors include socio-demographic characteristics, work-family conflict, social support, workplace-related factors, and self-reported medical conditions. The review underscores the importance of addressing workplace stress to improve well-being and job satisfaction among employed women. Evidence-based insights from this review can guide policy development and healthcare initiatives aimed at reducing stress and enhancing mental health outcomes for employed women.