Abstract:
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.
Objectives: 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.