Factors Associated With Professional Quality of Life Among Exposed Nursing Staff to the COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Introduction: The global impact of COVID-19 resulted in a negative influence on the professional quality of life of healthcare workers, particularly nurses. Objectives: To investigate the level and factors impacting the professional quality of life dimensions of nurses having contact with COVID-19 patients. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational, descriptive design was conducted using a purposive sample. A total of 200 nurses who had provided direct care to COVID-19 patients were selected from various wards across two governmental hospitals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered via self-report surveys using the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and analyzed using multivariate regression models. The STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was adhered. Results: The overall professional quality of life was moderate (M = 90.13, SD ± 9.00). Predictor factors of compassion satisfaction were gender (β = 0.160, p = 0.021), living arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic (β = 0.139, p = 0.049), family infection due to work (β = −0.183, p = 0.044), number of COVID-19 patients cared for per shift (β = −0.187, p < 0.001), and testing positive for COVID-19 (β = −0.372, p < 0.001). For secondary traumatic stress, age (β = 0.169, p = 0.043), gender (β = 0.156, p = 0.035), family fear of COVID-19 transmission (β = 0.281, p < 0.001), and testing positive for COVID-19 (β = −0.070, p = 0.033) were significant factors. The factor contributing to burnout was testing positive for COVID-19 (β = −0.275, p < 0.001). Furthermore, perceived social support positively influenced compassion satisfaction but negatively impacted secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Conclusion: The professional quality of life dimensions of nurses was significantly influenced by various personal-, social-, and occupational-related predictors. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Nurses experiencing higher CS are more likely to deliver high-quality care. Conversely, BO and STS do not support patient safety and care continuity. Reporting Method: The STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was adhered. Patient or Public Contribution: Societal need to support frontline healthcare workers, which ultimately benefits public health outcomes and pandemic resilience.