Examination of Fatigue Situations of Nurses in the Prolonged COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of prolonged Covid-19 pandemic on the fatigue status of nurses. Methods: The effect of prolonged Covid-19 on the fatigue status of nurses was evaluated, and 185 nurses who had Covid-19 were included in this descriptive study. The data were collected using the "Patient Information Form" and "Chalder Fatigue Scale" in the electronic environment during the working hours of the nurses who had Covid-19 and at times that would not disrupt their workflow order. Results: It was determined that 62.6% of the nurses who were tired were female, 61.6% were tired, and the level of physical fatigue was higher than mental fatigue. The most common symptom among nurses during the acute and prolonged Covid-19 period was fatigue. There was a statistically significant difference between fatigue and headache(p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was determined that the majority of the nurses experienced fatigue after the Covid-19 pandemic, the severity of physical fatigue was higher than the severity of mental fatigue, and headache affected the level of fatigue. In line with these results, considering the negative impact of fatigue on quality of life and daily functionality, it is recommended to conduct periodic physical and mental health screenings for nurses and to provide training on methods such as effective exercise and stress management to help nurses cope with fatigue and regain optimal health.