The Role of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Quality of Nurses' Work Life: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors
F. Hosseini
F. Hashemi
A. Shafiei
A. Salavatian
Abstract
Aim: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that may affect individuals during large-scale crises such as the coronavirus pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19–related PTSD on the quality of nurses’ work life (QNWL).

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted between September 2022 and March 2023 among nurses working in hospitals affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, northwest Iran. Using convenience sampling, 261 nurses were enrolled. Inclusion criteria included employment in the selected hospitals, willingness to participate, holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and a minimum of six months of work experience. Nurses who withdrew or submitted incomplete questionnaires were excluded. Data were collected using demographic and professional characteristics forms, the PTSD Symptoms Scale, and the QNWL questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, applying descriptive statistics and inferential tests including Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, analysis of variance, and Spearman correlation coefficient. A significance level of P<.05 was considered.

Findings: The mean age of participants was 35.19 ± 7.75 years. The mean PTSD score was 45.96 ± 20.21, and the mean QNWL score was 128.17 ± 27.73. Significant relationships were observed between employment status and work shift with QNWL (P<.05). Additionally, gender and marital status were significantly associated with PTSD scores (P<.05).

Conclusion: Both PTSD symptoms and QNWL were at moderate levels among nurses. A significant correlation existed between PTSD symptoms and QNWL, highlighting the need for managerial and organizational interventions to improve nurses’ psychological well-being outcomes

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Health Education and Health Promotion
Volume 1, Issue 0
Winter 2022