Background
Workload and mental health problems of health care workers (HCWs) in the COVID-19 pandemic is a concern. These problems increase medical error and mortality of patient and can reduce performance HCWs.
Methods
We studied 495 HCWs in Iran between March and April 2020. Three online questionnaires (NASA-TLX, GHQ-12, and demographic) were distributed to them via social networks. Data were entered into software SPSS v.25 and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis.
Results
Task load and mental disorder were significantly higher in HCWs who encountered COVID- 19 patients (p < 0.001). Among HCWs, nurses had the highest workload (71 ± 16.13, p < 0.001). Females had significantly higher GHQ scores compared to males (6.54 ± 1.84 vs. 5.90 ± 2.21, p = 0.003). Regarding the ward of work, health workers in the Corona part had more total task load scores compared to workers in health centers (71.56 ± 17.40 vs. 63.94 ± 17.36, p = 0.003). Total GHQ score had significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.12, p = 0.008), education level (r = 0.09, p = 0.03), and experience level (r = 0.15, p = 0.001). A positive significant correlation was observed between mental demand and age (r = 0.12, p = 0.007) and experience level (r = 0.10, p = 0.024). Task Load score, mental demand, temporal demand, and performance demand had a negative correlation with education level (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study suggests the following recommendations for reducing workload and mental disorders: Psychological intervention to mental support of medical staff, especially nurses and health experts, Attention to macro ergonomics factors and work shift planning according to psychophysiological characteristics workers can improve mental health.