Subjective mental workload profile and its relationship with quality of work life among nurses: The mediating role of general health

Abstract

Background: Nursing is widely recognized as a high-stress profession that encompasses a variety of cognitive, emotional, and physical demands. Objective: This study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between subjective mental workload (SMWL), general health (GH), and quality of work life (QWL). Methods: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study examines the relationship between SMWL, GH, and QWL among nurses working in several public hospitals in Iran. The study involved 283 nurses, with data collected through self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. SMWL was assessed using the SURG-TLX questionnaire, QWL was evaluated with Walton's 35-item tool, and GH was measured using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for data analysis. Results: The findings revealed a significant negative effect of SMWL on both GH (beta = -0.283; p = 0.038) and QWL (beta = -0.211; p = 0.041). In contrast, better GH was positively associated with higher QWL (beta = 0.747; p < 0.001). GH was found to mediate the relationship between SMWL and QWL, explaining 43 of the total effect. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of improving GH to enhance QWL and job satisfaction among nurses by alleviating the adverse effects of high SMWL. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to boost GH, thereby creating a more supportive work environment. Future research should delve deeper into these dynamics through longitudinal studies to validate these findings over time.