Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the workload and mental health of Iranian medical staff using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and NASA -Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) Questionnaire between March and April 2020, respectively. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5th to April 5th, 2020. To evaluate the workload and mental health of participants NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 online questionnaires were distributed. Data were entered into software SPSS (Version 23) and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis. Results Health 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. Conclusions Type of job, the shift of work, educational level, and facing COVID-19 affected the score of NASA-TLX. NASA-TLX scores were higher in nursing compared to the scores of other health staff groups. The results of this study indicate that the scores of NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 among staff who had contact with COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than those who did not face COVID-19 patients. We suggested that a comprehensive assistance should be provided to support the well-being of healthcare workers especially nurses and healthcare workers who treated COVID-19 patients.

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the workload and mental health of Iranian medical staff using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and NASA -Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) Questionnaire between March and April 2020, respectively.Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5th to April 5th, 2020. To evaluate the workload and mental health of participants NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 online questionnaires were distributed. Data were entered into software SPSS (Version 23) and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis.Results: Health 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.Conclusions: Type of job, the shift of work, educational level, and facing COVID-19 affected the score of NASA-TLX. NASA-TLX scores were higher in nursing compared to the scores of other health staff groups. The results of this study indicate that the scores of NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 among staff who had contact with COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than those who did not face COVID-19 patients. We suggested that a comprehensive assistance should be provided to support the well-being of healthcare workers especially nurses and healthcare workers who treated COVID-19 patients.

Background Workload and mental health problems of health care workers (HCWs) in the COVID-19 pandemic is a concern. These problems increase medical error and mortality of patient and can reduce performance HCWs. Methods We studied 495 HCWs in Iran between March and April 2020. Three online questionnaires (NASA-TLX, GHQ-12, and demographic) were distributed to them via social networks. Data were entered into software SPSS v.25 and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis. Results Task load and mental disorder were significantly higher in HCWs who encountered COVID- 19 patients (p < 0.001). Among HCWs, nurses had the highest workload (71 ± 16.13, p < 0.001). Females had significantly higher GHQ scores compared to males (6.54 ± 1.84 vs. 5.90 ± 2.21, p = 0.003). Regarding the ward of work, health workers in the Corona part had more total task load scores compared to workers in health centers (71.56 ± 17.40 vs. 63.94 ± 17.36, p = 0.003). Total GHQ score had significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.12, p = 0.008), education level (r = 0.09, p = 0.03), and experience level (r = 0.15, p = 0.001). A positive significant correlation was observed between mental demand and age (r = 0.12, p = 0.007) and experience level (r = 0.10, p = 0.024). Task Load score, mental demand, temporal demand, and performance demand had a negative correlation with education level (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study suggests the following recommendations for reducing workload and mental disorders: Psychological intervention to mental support of medical staff, especially nurses and health experts, Attention to macro ergonomics factors and work shift planning according to psychophysiological characteristics workers can improve mental health.

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.