How the occupational balance of healthcare professionals changed in the COVID‐19 pandemic: A mixed design study

Abstract

Background Although it has been possible for many people to make a gradual transition to normal life or routine activities, the same seems far off for healthcare professionals. The current study examines in depth how the occupational balance of healthcare professionals has changed in the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods The current study has a mixed design, which involves collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. In the first stage of the study, which is the quantitative one, Turkish Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11‐T) was used to collect data, whereas the second stage of the study, which is the qualitative one, was designed to explore occupational balance and the related issues via using semi‐structured interviews. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare parameters between the groups (working in active–passive contact with COVID patients). On the other hand, qualitative data were evaluated via consensual qualitative data analysis. Results The level of occupational balance of healthcare professionals included in the study group was found to be significantly lower than the level of occupational balance of healthcare professionals included in the control group (P = .005). Although there was no clear problem in self‐care activities of healthcare professionals, the balance between productivity and leisure time activities was disrupted. Conclusions Occupational balance and leisure time use of healthcare professionals, especially those who have active contact with COVID patients, have been affected. A further investigation can be carried out according to gender, age, and other demographic qualities.

Is There a Change in Occupational Balance and Quality of Life of University Staff With or Without Covid-19

“…Gonzales-Barnel et al reported that people who were not infected with COVID-19 had better occupational balance (29)(30)(31). In addition, it has been shown that occupational balance regresses, especially in studies conducted with healthcare professionals on COVID-19 positivity (30). We did not observe these differences.…”

“…We did not observe these differences. In most of the previous studies, it is thought that the reason why we could not find a significant difference between the two groups in our study is a general occupational balance disorder that can be seen in employees generally since the pandemic conditions seriously affect all service branches (5,23,(30)(31)(32)(33).…”

“…However, there are studies in the literature showing that being infected reduces the occupational balance. Gonzales-Barnel et al reported that people who were not infected with COVID-19 had better occupational balance (29)(30)(31). In addition, it has been shown that occupational balance regresses, especially in studies conducted with healthcare professionals on COVID-19 positivity (30).…”

Healthcare Professionals’ Resilience During the COVID-19 and Organizational Factors That Improve Individual Resilience: A Mixed-Method Study

“…In addition, nurses assumed a more active role in the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to other healthcare professionals, and their occupational balance was altered. 31 Also, the COVID-19 pandemic made nurses constantly fear contracting the virus and infecting their families, 30 a distress that is higher for healthcare workers in emergency services. 32 Psychologists are expected to have extensive knowledge in several areas associated with mental health, namely in the use of adaptive coping strategies that allow managing emotions in a positive and meaningful way, 33 as this study confirmed.…”

“…In addition, nurses assumed a more active role in the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to other healthcare professionals, and their occupational balance was altered. 31 Also, the COVID-19 pandemic made nurses constantly fear contracting the virus and infecting their families, 30 a distress that is higher for healthcare workers in emergency services. 32 …”