Impact of Work–Life Balance on the Quality of Life of Spanish Nurses during the Sixth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study addresses the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Spanish nurses during the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, assessed through the EQ-5D and EQ-VAS indices. Methods: This cross-sectional 334 study used online surveys, recruiting 305 Spanish nurses. Results: Nurses generally perceived a good HRQoL. “Negative work–family interaction” is adversely associated with the EQ-VAS (β = −0.337, 95% CI [−1.733, −0.723]) and EQ-5D (β = −0.399, 95% CI [−0.021, −0.01]) indices, while “positive work–family interaction” shows a positive relationship with the EQ-VAS (β = 0.218, 95% CI [0.381, 1.759]). The presence of a “paid supportive caregiver” is positively associated with the EQ-VAS (β = 0.18, 95% CI [1.47, 12.3]) and EQ-5D (β = 0.149, 95% CI [0.004, 0.117]) indices, but a higher “number of children” is negatively linked with the EQ-5D index (β = −0.146, 95% CI [−0.061, −0.002]). In addition, living with a partner (EQ-VAS β = 0.16, 95% CI [1.094, 14.67] and EQ-5D index β = 0.174, 95% CI [0.018, 0.163]) and working a “rotating shift” (EQ-5D index β = 0.158, 95% CI [0.005, 0.098]) are positively associated. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to comprehensively address nurses’ well-being, considering both their working conditions and their home environment, especially in crisis contexts such as the current pandemic.

Keywords

• health-related quality of life
• EQ-5D
• work–life balance
• nurse
• COVID-19