The Effect of Personality Traits on the Quality of Life of Health Professionals in COVID-19 Reference Hospital

Abstract

Introduction and objectivesCoronavirus disease 2019 has affected the quality of life of both general population and the healthcare workers and has increased the psychopathology levels. The objective of this research was to study the personality traits and the quality of life of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to organize and apply interventions for the well-being of the staff. Materials and methodsThe study sample consisted of 400 healthcare workers, in Thoracic Diseases General Hospital "Sotiria". Participants were asked to provide sociodemographic information and to complete: (1) the WHOQOL-BREF, (2) the NEO-FFI. The questionnaire was administered in person to the hospital staff. The data were collected between May and July 2021, in Athens, Greece. ResultsYounger healthcare professionals had a better quality of life and with regard to gender differences, males reported higher scores of physical and psychological health compared to females. Also regarding personality traits, neuroticism and extroversion have a statistically significant effect on the quality of life. In contrast, education level, work area and specialty did not appear to affect the quality of life of hospital staff. ConclusionsFrom our research findings, it appears that quality of life has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are needed to apply mindfulness, increase well-being and form groups with the hospital staff in order to share their experiences.

Latent profile analysis of adaptation types and stress among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea

“…These findings are supported by many previous studies conducted during the pandemic. 5,12,14,30 This study has several important implications. For one, it was the first to conduct an LPA to investigate potential profile groups among medical students based on the Big Five personality traits and coping strategies in the COVID-19 context.…”

“…In addition, in crises such as COVID-19, high neuroticism may experience more negative emotions or stress than other groups of students. 9 , 12 , 13 Therefore, it is necessary to carefully examine the students’ psychological state in the maladaptive group, provide student support programs such as counseling and meditation, and train positive coping strategies.…”

“… 11 Recent studies have investigated the relationship between personality traits and individual responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that higher neuroticism is associated with more negative affective responses and perceived stress. 9 , 12 , 13 Although these studies have targeted various demographics, including healthcare workers, 12 general adults, 9 and college students, 14 there is still a lack of pandemic-related evidence on personality traits and perceived stress/affective responses in medical students.…”

Health Professionals in a COVID-19 Reference Hospital: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Levels and Their Associations With Psychological Resilience and Quality of Life

“…In addition, a survey conducted among Sotiria Hospital staff found that the young ones and the males exhibited a better quality of life and suggested interventions such as mindfulness and setting up teams to share experiences in supporting staff during the pandemic [ 18 ]. Also, another research at the same hospital found that health professionals mechanistically dehumanize the patient, while secure attachment acts protectively against self-dehumanization [ 16 ].…”

“…However, resilience mediates this relationship and acts protectively on quality of life levels [ 12 ]. Furthermore, a study that took place in Sotiria Hospital in 2021 revealed that the quality of life of healthcare professionals has been affected by COVID-19 [ 18 ]. Substantial evidence supports the effectiveness of resilience to preserve psychological and mental health among hospital workers during the current pandemic [ 19 ].…”