Stress Experiences of Married Muslim Women Bankers in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Work and family are the two most important aspects in most married Muslim
women’s lives. Balancing work and family roles have become a key personal and
family issue for many societies. There are many facets in the lives of married Muslim
women bankers that are subject to stress. The purpose of this study is to assess the
stress experienced by married Muslim women bankers during work in the Tamale
Metropolis of Northern Region, Ghana. The sample consists of 63 married Muslim
women out of 107 women working in 21 commercial banks in the study area. This
study employed a mixed-method approach integrating both qualitative and
quantitative methods to offer a more thorough comprehension of the subject matter. In-
depth interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups were employed to gather the data.
Data were sorted into thematic areas for data analysis. The results from the data
indicated five major stress areas: psychosocial, physical, psycho-spiritual,
psychological, and technological stress. The study revealed that married Muslim
women bankers in Tamale metropolis face multi-layered stressors and challenges in
the workplace, which might play a major role in shaping their behaviour and well-
being. Public healthcare professionals should take into consideration the peculiarities
of Muslim women while supporting the well-being of working women and their
families.