Work-family conflict, burnout, and related factors among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northwest of Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nurses, as the largest working group in the hospital, experience many problems, conflicts, and stressors in the workplace and family especially after the widespread distribution of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE: The perceived conflict and burnout among nurses, as well as the correlation between these two variables and the associated factors, were the main subjects of this study. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 256 nurses from three COVID-19 referral hospitals in northwest Iran. Participants completed demographic, work-family conflict (WFC), and burnout questionnaires. The nonparametric tests including Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficient were applied to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The overall score of conflict was 55.3 (12.7). The time dimension received the highest score 11.4 (2.9). In terms of intensity 27.6 (8.7) and frequency 27.6(8.8), nurses had the most burnout in the lack of personal accomplishment dimension. All aspects of WFC, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization characteristics of burnout had statistically significant positive correlations (p < 0.01). The ward, hospital and employment status variables were associated with WFC (p < 0.05). The association between taking the crisis management course and the severity of depersonalization, and the frequency of lack of personal accomplishment was confirmed (p < 0.01). Additionally, the frequency and severity of emotional exhaustion were associated with employment status and work experiences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that nurses had WFC and burnout rates that were above average. Regarding the negative effects of these two phenomena on health, and also nurse’s clinical practices, rearranging work conditions and providing better organizational support seem necessary.