Mental Health and Quality of Professional Life of Healthcare Workers: One Year after the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has radically changed our lives, bringing with it numerous consequences. While this is already true for the general population, it is even more so for a specific job category: healthcare workers. Objective: This study aims to analyze the mental health and quality of professional life of healthcare workers one year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study is based on an exploratory and quantitative method. The researchers submitted a questionnaire consisting of scales validated in the literature through the Lime-Survey platform. The dimensions explored included mental health, burnout, compassion fatigue, satisfaction of basic work-related needs, and perceived support from friends and family. The results show how well-being continues to decline due to increased stress, which, in turn, leads to situations of psychological distress and discomfort that are summarized in the appearance of disorders such as, for example, burnout. In this situation of distress, some protective aspects emerge such as, for example, social support, especially in the dimension of friendship. Conclusions: In general, taking care of this category turns out to be essential to be prepared for possible future illnesses and to support people who suffer.