Greek and Cypriot Healthcare Professionals: Burned Out from the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic lasted for more than three years, significantly impacting the working conditions of healthcare professionals. This study investigates the job stress, fatigue, burnout, and quality of life of these professionals in Greece and Cyprus, using the Chalder Fatigue questionnaire, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Job Stress Measure and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. A total of 467 participants reported a mean job stress of 49.15, and moderate fatigue with a 17.26 mean score. A moderate level of burnout was also reported by 57.9% of participants. There were positive correlations between job stress and fatigue, job stress and burnout, and fatigue and burnout. All three variables negatively correlated with quality of life. Signs of increased job stress, fatigue, burnout, and reduced quality of life were evident as of the first year of the pandemic. The study concludes that both Greek and Cypriot governments must take measures to restore and protect the wellbeing of healthcare professionals.