Impact of Work–Family Balance on Nurses’ Perceived Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has put nurses under extreme pressure, especially affecting them by significantly increasing their workload and compromising their wellbeing. The lack of balance between work and personal life has caused greater stress and burnout in these professionals, deteriorating their quality of life and the care they provide. This study aims to synthesize the scientific evidence on the relationship between work–family balance and the perceived quality of life of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A scoping review was carried out based on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines in the PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, WOS, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases. The quality of the articles was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: Five studies involving 1641 nurses from Spain, India, Jordan, South Korea, and Turkey focused on three key areas: (1) work–life balance, (2) quality of life, and (3) factors associated with quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing challenges related to work–life balance and quality of life, particularly for nurses with rigid and extended work hours, increasing stress and negatively impacting their well-being. The study emphasizes the need for flexible labor policies, psychological support, and strong social networks to prevent burnout and improve nurses’ quality of life.