ASSESSMEN OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QUALITY OF LIFE AND MENTAL WORKLOAD AMONG NURSES OF URMIA MEDICAL SCIENCE UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS

Nurses are the largest service providers in the health system, so they should have desirable quality of life to provide favorable care for the patients. On the other hand, the nurse's workload is high. The study aims to investigate the correlation between mental workload and quality of life in nurses. This descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 120 nurses of medical sciences of Urmia University. For assessment of mental workload and quality of life NASA- Task Load Index (TLX) and quality of life questionnaire (SF36) were used respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Reault: Result showed mental demand was maximum (86.16± 21.24) and physical need was minimum (55/83± 22.16) compared to other mental workload aspects. Quality of life index in the activity limitation due to emotional problems was in worst situation (50.75±37.91) and in the physical performance was in best situation (73.91± 23.18) compared to other aspects of quality of life dimensions. Between mean score of mental workload with activity limitation due to emotional problems, social performance and general health were statistically significant negative correlation (P<0.05). High mental workloads deteriorate quality of life of nurses and subsequently decrease quality of their service to patients. Therefore, measures necessary to reduce the workload among nurses.