Professional life quality of paramedical staff during COVID 19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of the healthcare system in certain regions, including Tunisia. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of working in COVID-19 units on the quality of professional life of paramedical staff, and to identify the factors associated with its alteration. A multi-center, cross-sectional study, from April 2021 to June 2021, among paramedical staff working in COVID19. Participants answered the Professional quality of life scale "PRO-QOL" to assess compassion satisfaction (SC), burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS). The study sample was composed of 130 participants. The average age was 32 years. Less than 5 years seniority was found in 52% of cases. The level of satisfaction with compassion was average in 88% of cases. Low levels were associated with the infection of a loved one p=0.043 and stigmatization p=0.045. Burnout was found in all staff (43±5,6), with a high level in 26%, and was associated with chronic illness p=0.001, stigma p=0.025 and hours spent in contact with COVID-19 sufferers p=0.01. No association was found between the high level of STS and demographic factors, history, working conditions and covid-19 infection. Front line staff dealing with COVID, seem to be affected both physically and psychologically. Preventive measures ready for use should be done at the slightest threat.