THE INFLUENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH ASPECTS ON HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE (HRQOL) AMONG NURSES IN SECONDARY HEALTHCARE SETTINGS OF SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become a critical indicator of healthcare workforce well-being, particularly among nurses who operate in high-pressure environments. This study explores the influence of mental health aspects—specifically stress, emotional well-being, and work-life balance—on the HRQOL of nurses working in secondary healthcare hospitals in South Punjab, Pakistan. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed using the WHOQOL-BREF instrument, with a sample of 196 nurses selected through convenience sampling. The findings indicate that mental health factors significantly influence HRQOL. High levels of occupational stress, emotional exhaustion, and poor work-life balance were associated with reduced HRQOL scores. Despite these challenges, a considerable proportion of nurses reported good overall quality of life, reflecting resilience and coping mechanisms. Statistical analysis showed significant associations between HRQOL and work-related stressors, social support, and environmental factors. The study concludes that improving mental health conditions through institutional support, stress management interventions, and policies promoting work-life balance can substantially enhance HRQOL among nurses. These findings have implications for healthcare administrators, policymakers, and future research in occupational health.