Perceived stress and quality of life among frontline nurses fighting against COVID-19: A web-based cross-sectional study

Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) crisis has changed many aspects of frontline nurses' lives. Nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 reported experiencing significant psychological distress and work-related anxiety. This study aimed to assess the perceived stress and quality of life among frontline nurses fighting against COVID-19.

Materials and methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 322 frontline nurses fighting against COVID-19 in hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using the two following online questionnaires: the Perceived Stress Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief. Data were compiled from October 23, 2020, to November 25, 2020. Data were analyzed using the independent sample t-test, Pearson's correlation test, and regression analysis test in the SPSS-21.

Results: Average perceived stress scores was 30.27 (standard deviation [SD] = 7.01). Average quality of life subscale scores consist of physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment were 57.71 (SD = 12.74), 44.3 (SD = 15.58), 45.61 (SD = 16.99), and 47.6 (SD = 18.11), respectively. There was an inverse significant association between all the subscales of quality of life and perceived stress (P = 0.008). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, the variables of age, gender, marital status, and perceived stress were the significant predictors of quality of life subscales.

Conclusions: Paying serious attention to addressing the concerns of frontline nurses, especially those who are at high risk, is necessary. It is recommended to take action as soon as possible to reduce the perceived stress and improve quality of life on nurses who care for patients with COVID-19.