Factors Affecting COVID-19-Related Fear and Burnout in Surgical Nurses

Abstract

Background Surgical nurses face the risk of psychological problems while trying to cope with the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim This study aimed to determine levels of COVID-19-related fear and burnout and affecting factors in surgical nurses. Design The study has a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Methods The study sample included 321 nurses working in surgical units and operation rooms in Turkey. Data were gathered with a sociodemographic and occupational characteristics form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the COVID-19 Burnout Scale through a Google form between 1 August and 15 October in 2021. Obtained data were analyzed with independent groups t-test, One-Way ANOVA and simple and multiple linear regression analyses. Results The nurses had moderate levels of fear (20.00 ± 6.77; Min–Max: 7–35) and burnout (29.52 ± 10.03; Min–Max:10–50) due to COVID-19. The female gender and belief in health staff shortage were predictive of fear and burnout related to COVID-19. Age was not predictive of COVID-19 fear and receiving education about COVID-19, exposure to violence, having adequate supplies of goggles/face shields and having a limited number of aprons/work wear were not predictive of COVID-19-related burnout. Fear of COVID-19 was predictive of COVID-19 burnout. Conclusions Female nurses and nurses believing in health staff shortage had higher levels of fear and burnout due to COVID-19. As COVID-19 fear increased, so did COVID-19 burnout. Nurses working in surgical units should be provided with education about coping strategies taking account of the factors affecting COVID-19-related fear and burnout.

Using theory of mind to understand the impact of Covid-19 fear on healthcare workers’ withdrawal intentions

“…Studies have also identified a positive impact of Covid-19 fear on withdrawal intentions (Labrague and Santos, 2021; Khattak et al ., 2021). Burnout has been linked to increased turnover among nurses (Leiter and Maslach, 2009) and a study on nurses in Turkey suggested a positive impact of Covid-19 fear on burnout (Savsar and Karayurt, 2023). Therefore, the findings of this study complement existing research.…”

Burnout Levels in Nurses and Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In turn, age and seniority were predictors of depersonalization. Savsar and Karayurt [24] assessed factors affecting burnout and anxiety among surgical nurses in the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderate levels of anxiety and burnout were observed.…”