Factors Contributing to Health-Related Quality of Life Among Frontline Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Background: Epidemics or pandemics of infectious diseases impose significant work pressure on healthcare workers, making them susceptible to various mental and physical health issues that negatively impact their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This qualitative study aimed to identify the contributing factors of HRQOL among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The statistical population included physicians and nurses on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19 disease. A total of 25 participants were selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA Software (version 20). Results: The analysis revealed four main themes contributed to HRQOL among healthcare workers including individual (physical and mental well-being), environmental (workplace and residence), organizational (organizational behaviors, communication, limited resources, and weaknesses), and social (social challenges and restrictions) factors. Conclusion: Considering the effective factors, it is necessary for healthcare managers to assign human resources appropriate roles according to the number of clients and admitted patients. Moreover, programs should be implemented to promote physical exercise among healthcare workers to enhance their morale and physical strength.