Objective To investigate the status of anxiety and quality of life among nursing staff in military hospitals and to explore the mediating effect of social support on the relationship between anxiety and quality of life, with the aim of improving their working environment and mental health.

Methods A convenience sampling method was employed to select nursing staff members from four military hospitals. Data were collected using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the path relationships among anxiety, social support, and quality of life, and the bootstrap method was utilized to examine the mediating effect of social support between anxiety and quality of life.

Results A total of 405 questionnaires were distributed, and 396 valid questionnaires were collected, with a valid response rate of 97.78%. Significantly higher anxiety scores were observed among nursing staff who were divorced, reported a monthly income of 6 001 to 9 000 RMB, or had 6 to 10 years of work experience. Social support scores were significantly higher among married individuals but lower among those with a monthly income of < 3 000 RMB or 1 to 5 years of work experience. Quality of life scores were significantly lower for divorced nursing staff and those with a monthly income of 6 001 to 9 000 RMB. Generally, it showed that increased frequency of weekly night shifts, longer weekly working hours, and shorter daily sleep duration were associated with higher anxiety scores and lower social support and quality of life scores; the above differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Anxiety scores demonstrated a significant negative correlation with social support scores and quality of life scores (r = -0.497, -0.708, both P < 0.01); social support scores were significantly positively correlated with quality of life scores (r = 0.464, P < 0.01). Social support partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and quality of life, accounting for 18% of the total effect.

Conclusions Nursing staff in military hospitals generally reported low social support, high anxiety levels, and quality of life levels that need to be improved. Creating a supportive work environment and enhancing social support are suggested as potential strategies to improve their quality of life.