Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life among Healthcare Workers during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Healthcare workers are threatened by psychological well-being and mental health problems in disasters related to new infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, and this can also have a negative impact on health-related quality of life. Health-related quality of life of healthcare workers should not be neglected because it is closely related to patient safety. This study aimed to identify the relationship between mental health problems, psychological safety, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life of healthcare workers and factors that influence health-related quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 301 healthcare workers working in five general hospitals with more than 300 beds in two provinces from 5 July 2021 to 16 July 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 27.0. The data were analyzed using t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Our results showed that there was a significant difference in regular exercise, religion, economic status, and sleep quality. The DASS-21 stress, economic status, and alcohol consumption were factors affecting the total health-related quality of life. In the subcategories, the physical component score was influenced by DASS-21 stress and economic status, while the mental component score was influenced by DASS-21 depression, economic status, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality. Conclusions: Health care workers need continuous and active monitoring of their health level and quality of life, as they are at a risk of increasing work burden and infection due to prolonged exposure to COVID-19 as well as mental health issues such as stress and depression. Additionally, at the individual level, active participation in various programs that can raise awareness of health-related quality of life along with physical health promotion activities should be encouraged. At the organizational level, it is necessary to prepare a compensation system, such as adjusting the workload of healthcare workers and ensuring break time; at the government level, disaster-related policies are needed to ensure a safe working environment for health care workers.