The Relationship between Quality of Work Life and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction In the midst of the global pandemic, nurses were confronted with numerous challenges that put them at risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These challenges arise from the high mortality rates among patients and the diminished quality of life caused by overwhelming workloads. Aim The researchers conducted a study aimed at determining the relationship between the quality of work life and PTSD in nurses facing the healthcare crisis. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mashhad in 2021. The study sample consisted of 180 nurses working in hospitals admitting patients. The research instruments encompassed a demographic information form, the quality of work-life questionnaire with three sub-domains of compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction, and the post-traumatic stress disorder questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25 software. Results Among the participating nurses, the mean and standard deviation of compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction scores in nurses were 24.16 ± 6.77, 25.26 ± 6.09, and 27.42 ± 6.51, respectively. Additionally, the mean score for stress following critical incidents was determined as 42.31 ± 8.71. Spearman's correlation test revealed a significant and positive relationship between the PTSD score and compassion fatigue within this sample. Conclusion The results indicated a positive correlation between the decrease in the quality of work life and PTSD. These findings contribute to a better understanding of effective strategies for promoting mental well-being and identifying key aspects to be measured in future interventions. Moreover, these results can guide the development of targeted mental health management interventions aimed at supporting nurses in their vital work during major health crises.