The Effect on the Work Ability of Intensive Care Nurses of Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Descriptive and Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the effects of psychological distress on the work ability of intensive care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The sample size of this descriptive and cross-sectional study was determined to be at least 220 nurses, with a level of significance of 0.05, a confidence interval of 99%, and the ability to represent the population of 80%. The research was completed with 233 nurses. A Participant Information Form, the COVID-19-related Psychological Distress Scale, and the Work Ability Index were used to collect data online using Google Forms and email or social media accounts. In the analysis of data, Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis was used along with descriptive statistics. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the nurses’ length of time working in the profession and their WAI scores (r=0.132, p=0.043), and a negative correlation was found with their COVID-19 PDS scores (r=-0.162, p=0.013). A statistically significant difference was found about WAI total scores in the effect on work ability of the working conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the WAI total score and the COVID-19 PDS sub-section of Doubt (r=0.128, p=0.049). Conclusion: It was found that the work abilities and COVID-19 psychological distress levels of intensive care nurses living in Turkey were medium. Correlations were found between nurses’ work competency and psychological distress. It is recommended that the many factors affecting work ability and psychological distress be taken under control.