Professional Quality of Life among healthcare workers in a Covid-19 unit

Abstract

Introduction The pandemic of Covid-19 has overwhelmed healthcare systems including healthcare workers(HCWs) imposing additional physical and mental workloads. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the professional quality of life of HCWs. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCWs working in the Covid-19 unit in Sfax, Tunisia in December 2021. We used a self-administrated questionnaire including sociodemographic and professional information. Professional issues were assessed by The Professional Quality of Life scale. Results Our population consisted of 69 participants. The mean age was 31± 6 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.1. Sixty-eight per cent had a university education. On a scale from 0 to 10,76.8% rated their Health Status greater than or equal to 8 and the mean score was 8.89±1. Medical history of Covid-19 infection was found in 37.7% of paricipants and 94,1% were vaccinated against SARS Cov 2. Most of the workers showed moderate to high levels of compassion (65.2% and 31.9 % respectively). Fifty-five per cent showed moderate burnout levels. Only 2.9% of the population had a high level of secondary traumatic stress. Secondary traumatic stress was associated with age (p=0.049; R=0.238). The males were more affected with burnout symptoms. Vaccination Status was associated with compassion satisfaction (p=0.042). Health Status Evaluation was not correlated with compassion satisfaction, burnout or secondary traumatic stress. Conclusions The current pandemic has affected the HCWs system professional and social lives. A long follow-up should be maintained to support HCWs dealing with the pandemic. Disclosure of Interest None Declared