Prevalence and Predictors of Work–Life Balance Among Nursing Personnel During the Sixth Wave of the Pandemic: The Role of Stress and Sociodemographic and Work-Related Variables

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the challenges of balancing work and personal life for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. In Spain, during the sixth wave of the pandemic, characterized by a high number of infections and increased health- care pressure, these challenges became even more pronounced. This study examines how perceived stress, sociodemographic characteristics, and work-related factors influence Work–Life Balance among Spanish nurses in this context. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 305 Spanish nurses using the online Work-Life Interaction Questionnaire (SWING) and the Perceived Stress Scale (EP-10). The findings revealed that higher levels of perceived stress were associated with increased work-to-family conflict. This conflict was further intensified among nurses working rotating shifts. In the reverse direction, from life to work, perceived stress was again a significant factor, and having children contributed to increased negative life-to-work interference. On the other hand, certain variables were linked to more positive interactions. Having a paid caregiver was associated with lower positive work-to-family interaction, whereas religious beliefs were related to more positive experiences in this domain. Finally, being a woman and having children were both associated with greater positive life-to-work interaction. This study offers a vital perspective on the complex Work–Life interaction in nursing during crises, highlighting the urgent need for structural policies that alleviate stress and conflict while enhancing well-being by recognizing the protective role of family and spirituality. These findings open new avenues for designing more effective, responsive interventions for healthcare personnel.