The Effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Job Satisfaction, Work Stress and Burnout of Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aydın  Çivilidağ; Şerife  Durmaz; Berk  Uslu

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i7.16043

Aydın Çivilidağ Department of Psychology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
Şerife Durmaz Department of Labour Economics and Industrial Relations, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
Berk Uslu Akdeniz University Institute of Social Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i7.16043

Keywords: Healthcare workers; Job satisfaction; Work stress; Burnout; Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: We aimed to examine the job satisfaction (JS), work stress (WS) and burnout (B) levels of healthcare workers (HCWs), who are at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic process, which negatively affects the whole world, by meta-analysis.

Methods: Articles, theses and papers in the literature before the COVID-19 (2014-2019) and during COVID-19 (2020-2022) were systematically reviewed. The sample size of 54 studies conducted from 13 countries was 49.139. Data analysis was performed with the Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) 3.0 Version program.

Results: According to the random effect model analysis result, a negative, significant and low-level relationship was found between WS and JS, before and during COVID-19. There was a negative, significant and medium level relationship between JS and B. It was found positive, significant and high-level relationship between WS and B. Human development level (HDL) has a moderating effect on WS and B. In addition, sample size has moderating effect on WS and JS.

Conclusion: During the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs have experienced more burnout due to strict isolation, working conditions requiring overtime, fatigue, insomnia and concerns about virus transmission. Intense work tempo, inadequate health equipment, patient deaths, and low wages are the factors that decrease JS and increase WS and B. It is recommended to improve working conditions globally and provide financial support and mental health protection for HCWs.