Examining the Relationship Between Nurses’ Moral Distress and Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and aims: Nurses employed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) units experienced extensive moral distress (MD), which could affect their quality of life (QOL). Hence, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between nurses’ MD and QOL and factors related to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study included 200 nurses employed in the COVID-19 wards of Medical Sciences Hospitals in Jiroft, Kerman, Iran, selected through a census sampling method. Required data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Corley MD Assessment Scale, and the World Health Organization QOL Scale. Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 22, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: Nurses’ mean MD was 68.52±37.32 (low), and the mean QOL score was 56.00±17.67 (moderate). An inverse and significant relationship was observed between MD scores and QOL (r=-0.195, P=0.006). The results of the linear regression test demonstrated that MD, gender, and position, with standard beta coefficients of 0.289, 0.187, and 0.171, respectively, had the highest regression effect on the QOL of nurses. Conclusion: Although nurses working in the COVID-19 wards experienced low levels of MD, considering the moderate level of QOL, the impact of MD, and some background characteristics, it is suggested that health policymakers pay closer attention to develop mechanisms to control and reduce MD while improving QOL.