The Effect of Personality Traits on the Quality of Life of Health Professionals in COVID-19 Reference Hospital

Lekka, Dimitra; Orlandou, Konstantina; Roubi, Aikaterini; Darahani, Dimitra; Mpoulougari, Sofia; Anagnosti, Frosyna; Baras, Spyros; Tsaraklis, Athanasios; Stalikas, Anastasios

Introduction and objectives Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the quality of life of both general population and the healthcare workers and has increased the psychopathology levels. The objective of this research was to study the personality traits and the quality of life of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to organize and apply interventions for the well-being of the staff. Materials and methods The study sample consisted of 400 healthcare workers, in Thoracic Diseases General Hospital "Sotiria". Participants were asked to provide sociodemographic information and to complete: (1) the WHOQOL-BREF, (2) the NEO-FFI. The questionnaire was administered in person to the hospital staff. The data were collected between May and July 2021, in Athens, Greece. Results Younger healthcare professionals had a better quality of life and with regard to gender differences, males reported higher scores of physical and psychological health compared to females. Also regarding personality traits, neuroticism and extroversion have a statistically significant effect on the quality of life. In contrast, education level, work area and specialty did not appear to affect the quality of life of hospital staff. Conclusions From our research findings, it appears that quality of life has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are needed to apply mindfulness, increase well-being and form groups with the hospital staff in order to share their experiences.