Effects of COVID-19 safety protocols on health workers' quality of life; the mediating role of mental health and physical health; a retrospective study

Abstract

This study conducts an empirical retrospective examination of the effect of COVID-19 protocols on Health workers' quality of life during the pandemic. Data from a survey respondent of 330 health workers were analyzed through structural equation modeling. Results indicated COVID-19 protocols specifically hand hygiene, personal protective equipments, and physical distancing had a significant effect on the quality of life of health workers during the COVID-19 era. However, the results did not follow the expected literature trend. Analysis indicated a direct significant positive relationship between hand hygiene and quality of life and also highlighted a negative relationship between physical distancing and protective equipments and quality of life. Detailed analysis in an attempt to explain this development highlighted the significant role physical and mental health play in the relationship between COVID-19 safety protocols and quality of life. The findings of the study suggest implications and suggestions for future research.

Keywords

• Health care workers
• Quality of life
• Physical health
• Mental health
• COVID-19 protocols
• Physical distancing