Assessment of the impact of working under COVID-19 conditions on the psychophysical state of nurses

Abstract

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic caused many unfavorable changes in nurses’ daily work, which affected their health and well-being. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of working under COVID-19 conditions on the psychophysical condition of nurses. Materials and Methods: The study included a group of 100 nurses from the Łodź Voivodeship working under COVID-19 conditions. A survey questionnaire consisting of questions on health status, the occurrence and severity of symptoms resulting from work in covid conditions was used. Results: Statistically significant (p<0.001) increases in physical ailments were found in nurses after a change in working conditions. The largest effect was observed for dyspnoea, headache and lumbar pain. The severity of physical ailments was mainly affected by the age of the respondents and the presence of chronic diseases. There was also a statistically significant (p<0.001) deterioration in the mental state of the respondents, primarily in terms of feelings of mental fatigue, mood decrease and feelings of fear for the health of relatives. An increase in fear for one’s own health was also observed, particularly in nurses with older age, higher BMI, longer work experience and chronic diseases. Conclusions: The change of working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the psychophysical health of nurses. The respondents showed an increase of the symptoms of chronic diseases, headaches and back pain. Working in difficult conditions and chronic stress resulted in a depressed mood and fear for one’s own life and that of relatives. Thermal treatment may be recommended to improve the psychophysical condition of nurses.