Covid-19 effects on the workload of Iranian healthcare workers
Abstract BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the workload and mental health of Iranian medical staffs using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and NASA-TLX Questionnaire between March and April 2020, respectively.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5th to April 5th, 2020. Three online questionnaires (NASA-TLX, GHQ-12, and demographic) were distributed. Data were entered into software SPSS (Version 23) and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis.ResultsHealth workers who encountered COVID- 19 patients, were subjected to more task load compared to those who had no contact with COVID- 19 patients at the workplace (p<0.001). In terms of the subscale score of NASA-TLX, nurses had more scores in mental pressure, physical pressure, time pressure(temporal), and frustration compared to the other jobs (p<0.05). Moreover, nurses had significantly more workload compared to the other jobs.ConclusionsType of job, the shift of work, educational level, and facing COVID-19 affected the score of NASA-TLX. Generally, NASA-TLX scores were higher in nursing compared to the scores of other health staff groups. The results of this study indicate that the total workload and mental health levels of those staff who had contact with COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than those who did not face COVID-19 patients.