The impact of psychological distress, socio‐demographic and work‐related factors on coping strategies used by nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study

AIM: This study aimed to determine factors associated with coping strategies used by nursing staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Iran. DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study. METHODS: A convenience sample of 365 nurses were selected from referral hospitals for COVID‐19 patients in Tabriz, Iran between February 2022 and July 2022. An online self‐administered questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram. The survey package included a modified Brief COPE scale, socio‐demographic and work‐related questions, and a measure of psychological distress. Multiple regression analysis examined associated factors with coping strategies in SPSS. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines for reporting. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 31.2 (7.3) years old. Of the 365 participants, 209 (58.9%) used maladaptive coping strategies, and 214 (57.6%) reported experiencing psychological distress. Psychological distress was the strongest predictor of maladaptive coping strategies (β = 4.473, p < 0.001). Female nurses (β = 3.259, p < 0.05), nurses who were under 35 years of age (β = 3.214, p < 0.05), nurses with fewer than ten years of experience (β = 2.416, p < 0.001), those who worked in COVID‐19 ICUs (β = 4.321, p < 0.001), floor nurses (β = 2.344, p < 0.001), and those who worked two or more years in COVID‐19 settings (β = 3.293, p < 0.001) had higher mean scores in maladaptive coping strategies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contributions.