Authors: Ebenguela EBATETOU ATABOHO, Juste Morel MANTINOU, Alhousseine YANSANÉ, Jysses Geoffroy KOKOLO.
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted unprecedented pressure on health systems and healthcare workers worldwide. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of healthcare professionals in Congolese public hospitals during this pandemic health crisis.
Materials and Methods: A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2021, involving nursing staff from nine public hospitals across four departments in the country. We collected data on the socio- professional characteristics of the nursing staff and assessed their physical, mental, and overall quality of life using the Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire.
Results: The study population consisted of 454 nurses (64.9%) and 246 nursing assistants (35.1%), with most females (83.6%) and an average age of 39.2 years ±8.1. The marital status was dominated by singles (52.9%) and nearly half (49.7%) had more than 3 dependents. The physical, mental, and overall quality of life was good in approximately 95% of the nursing staff. However, healthcare workers older than 40 years and those with more than 3 dependents had a significantly higher poor physical, mental, and overall quality of life than others (p=0.000). There was no correlation between gender, marital status, the role occupied (nurse or nursing assistant), and the physical, mental, and overall quality of life.
Conclusion: Although most of the nursing staff maintained a satisfactory quality of life during the pandemic, it is essential to identify and support those most at risk of diminished quality of life, to ensure optimal care for all.
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