ABSTRACT
Introduction: During the Coronavirus Disease 19 pandemic (COVID-19), healthcare workers of a COVID hospital are constantly in an environment that predisposes stress and burnout. In such an environment, low self-esteem can be a huge problem. The work environment in which health workers find themselves during a pandemic contributes significantly to a reduced quality of life. We wanted to explore the level and relationship of self-esteem and quality of life in healthcare workers working in a COVID-19 hospital at the peak of the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed. The study was conducted at a COVID-19 hospital in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The survey was conducted between December 2020 and May 2021, at the peak of the third wave. Data from 116 correctly and fully completed questionnaires were analyzed. The following questionnaires were used: the Socio-Demographic Questionnaire personally designed, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the self-esteem level and domains of quality of life (p < 0.001). The results of the regression analyses indicated that the psychological well-being domain significantly predicted the self-esteem level (p < 0.001). It was found that self-esteem significantly predicted the psychological domain at a strongest level (p < 0.001). The physical health domain was significantly negatively affected by the socio-demographic variable “Gender” (p < 0.05), and positively by the “Preparation” variable (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the self-esteem level and QOL among healthcare workers working at a COVID hospital. The self-esteem level significantly predicted all four quality of life domains. © 2021, Opca Bolnica Zadar. All rights reserved.