Survey and Analysis of Mental Health among Otolaryngology Nurses Following the Conclusion of COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures

<b>Aims/Background</b> The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic placed unique pressures on healthcare workers, especially nurses. This study examines the factors influencing mental health, stress perception, and burnout among otolaryngology nurses after the cessation of COVID-19 prevention and control. <b>Methods</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 otolaryngology nurses in Sichuan province from 20 January to 28 January, 2023. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Nurse Workplace Mental Health Questionnaire, the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS-14), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). Statistical analyses included the Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression to identify significant factors and relationships within the dataset. <b>Results</b> Of the 220 questionnaires distributed, 218 were valid, yielding a recovery rate of 99.09%. The cohort included 3 males (mean age: 34.67 ± 12.39) and 215 females (mean age: 35.63 ± 9.27). The average mental health score was 128.10 ± 21.29, indicating a moderate level of psychological well-being. The CPSS-14 average score was 37.42 ± 7.27, reflecting moderate stress, while MBI-GS scores highlighted varying levels of burnout, especially in emotional exhaustion (median = 10.00). The Kruskal-Wallis test identified significant factors affecting mental health, stress, and burnout, including family support, COVID-19 testing status, staffing adequacy, frequency of caring for critically ill patients, teamwork satisfaction, job satisfaction, and resignation plans (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant negative associations between mental health and stress (r = -0.525) and total burnout scores (r = -0.646; <i>p</i> < 0.01). Multiple linear regression identified emotional exhaustion (β = -0.922), low personal accomplishment (β = -0.623), and inadequate staffing (β = -2.769) as significant negative predictors of mental health, while teamwork satisfaction (β = 5.516) and job satisfaction (β = 5.032) were positively associated with improved mental health (<i>p</i> < 0.01). <b>Conclusion</b> Otolaryngology nurses experience notable mental health challenges in the post-pandemic era, driven by stress and burnout. Addressing staffing shortages, fostering teamwork, and enhancing job satisfaction are critical strategies to improve their psychological well-being.