Assessing the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on quality of life: a cross-sectional study of university staff in Borneo

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdown measures have drastically impacted daily life, particularly among vulnerable populations. University staff faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown, particularly after restrictions were imposed, requiring them to quickly adapt to e-learning and remote work. Given the limited research on this topic and the intriguing findings of previous studies, this research seeks to address the gap by exploring the distinct challenges faced by university staff and offering strategies for improved support during future disruptions. This study investigates the quality of life (QoL) of both academic and non-academic staff at the university during the Movement Control Order (MCO), with a focus on identifying the factors that influence QoL. Methods This cross-sectional study investigates the QoL among academic and non-academic staff at the university during the first MCO. Data were collected via an online survey conducted from May 2020 to April 2021, utilizing the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to evaluate physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental domains. Results Among 427 participants, significant demographic insights emerged: over two-thirds were female, one-third held diplomas, and the majority faced financial constraints. QoL scores varied significantly across domains, with the widest distribution in the environmental domain. No gender-based differences in QoL scores were observed, but educational attainment, duration of employment, marital status, and family income significantly influenced QoL outcomes. Participants with higher education levels or longer employment durations generally reported better QoL. Married participants and families with higher incomes or fewer children also exhibited better scores in social and environmental domains. These findings underscore the profound interplay between socioeconomic and demographic factors in shaping QoL during lockdowns. The results highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing financial stress and mental health challenges to mitigate the negative impacts of prolonged restrictions on vulnerable groups.