Psychological Distress and Work-Related Quality of Life Among Oncology Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Oncology nurses are at disproportionate risk for psychological distress because they often encounter ethical challenges and deaths while providing care. Exposures to emergent suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic compound their chronic distress, which likely increased their vulnerability to psychological distress and may increase their risk for reduced work-related quality of life (WRQOL). OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between psychological distress and WRQOL among oncology nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of psychological distress and WRQOL among oncology nurses (N = 63) was conducted. FINDINGS: The mean Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale score was 33.4, showing low depression levels, mild anxiety, and mild stress. The mean PTSD score was 29.3, and the mean WRQOL Scale score was 78.8. Depression, anxiety, and stress were strongly correlated to PTSD, and WRQOL was negatively correlated to PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Automated summary

Oncology nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic are at risk for psychological distress, which is associated with reduced work-related quality of life.