What does this research mean for the field?

Among rescue workers, lower anxiety and stress levels are significantly associated with higher quality of life and better occupational balance, with occupational balance itself positively correlating with overall quality of life. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study investigates how anxiety-stress levels relate to quality of life and occupational balance in rescue workers.

May 31, 2026Open Access

Investigating the Relationship Between Anxiety-Stress Levels, Quality of Life, and Occupational Balance in Rescue Workers

FAFatma Rana AydemirHacettepe University EBElif Sude BakiHacettepe University GBGonca BumınHacettepe University

Key Points

This study investigates how anxiety-stress levels relate to quality of life and occupational balance in rescue workers.
Cross-sectional survey conducted with 74 rescue workers between May and September 2023.
Participants completed the Integrated Anxiety Stress Scale, WHOQOL-BREF, and the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-T).
Utilized non-parametric tests including Spearman’s correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests for data analysis.
Anxiety levels were reported at 81.1%, indicating low anxiety.
Significant negative correlations found between anxiety-stress and all quality of life domains (r= -0.45 to -0.62, p<0.01).
Occupational balance demonstrated positive correlations with all quality of life domains (r= 0.43 to 0.55, p<0.01).

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This study investigates the relationship between anxiety-stress levels, quality of life, and occupational balance among rescue workers, exploring how daily activity satisfaction correlates with psychological well-being. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 74 rescue workers (87.8% male) between May and September 2023. Participants completed the Integrated Anxiety Stress Scale, WHOQOL-BREF, and the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-T). Data analysis utilized non-parametric tests, including Spearman’s correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests, to examine variables during the post-acute recovery phase of the February 2023 earthquakes. Results: Anxiety levels were low (81.1%), while quality of life and occupational balance were moderate to high. Significant negative correlations were identified between anxiety-stress and all quality of life domains (r= -0.45 to -0.62, p003C0.01), and occupational balance (r= -0.45, p<0.01). Occupational balance showed positive correlations with all quality of life domains (r= 0.43 to 0.55, p<0.01). Conclusions: Despite a professional culture of resilience, rescue workers face significant time poverty and life toll that disrupt daily rhythms. Enhancing occupational balance through organizational support and practical time management is essential for long-term well-being and job performance.

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