Correlation between quality of life and depression during the work of nurses in public hospitals in the State of Sergipe

Abstract

Depression can influence the quality of work life (QWL) of nurses and the quality of care provided, in view of this, it is salutary to understand the situation of depression, the quality of work life of nurses. Objective: To verify the correlation between quality of work life and depressive symptoms, during the activities carried out by nurses in public hospitals in the State of Sergipe. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared by the researchers to obtain the sociodemographic characteristics of the nurses, as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Quality of Work Life Assessment Instrument (QWL) were applied to a sample of 221 nurses. Results: Among those surveyed, 32.1% had symptoms of mild to moderate depression. The mean QWL was 8.70. The mean scores for the QWL dimensions were 8.92 for institutional appreciation and recognition, 6.14 for working conditions, safety and remuneration, 11.75 for identity and professional image, and 10.66 for integration with the team. A negative correlation was also observed between depression and global QWL and in its dimensions, through Spearman’s linear correlation test. Conclusion: Depression symptoms negatively interfere with nurses’ quality of work life in general and in all dimensions.