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Psychological symptoms among frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan
Abstract
Frontline healthcare workers from four hospitals in Wuhan (n = 134) were surveyed in February 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak and reported elevated depression (12.7%) and anxiety (20.1%) symptoms. The majority (59%) reported moderate to severe perceived stress. Local healthcare workers had three times higher risk for having at least mild depression than those deployed to Wuhan. Greater perceived stress, poorer sleep quality, and lacking perceived psychological preparedness were associated with higher risk for elevated depression and anxiety. These results suggest pre-deployment training and provision of psychological support for healthcare workers may be needed during the outbreak.
Supplementary resource (1)
... The final score was calculated by summarizing the 10 items. We used the recommended cut-off points as follows: low (scored 0-13), moderate (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26), and high (27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40). 14 Participants reported their stress level at two time points: for the average of six months before the pandemic and during the 2021 Tet holiday outbreak. ...
... We included 979 participants in the final analysis, of which 289 (29.5%) suffered deterioration to high stress levels. The median PSS-10 score for all participants surged from 10 (Interquartile ranges [IQR]: 7-16) before COVID-19 to 15 (IQR: [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] during the 2021 Tet holiday outbreak ( Figure 1A). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient (0.66) indicated a moderate positive correlation between the stress scores at both times ( Figure 1B). ...
... 17 Shortly thereafter, a study among 134 frontline healthcare workers in Wuhan, China using the same PSS-10 questionnaire as in our study estimated 59% of healthcare workers to be prone to moderate to severe levels of stress (PSS-10 scores ≥ 14). 18 At that time, the pandemic situation in China was very complex and fluid; the health facilities were almost under overloaded alerts, being short-staffed, and lacking protective equipment. An online survey among medical staff in Italy in March 2020, when the pandemic had started developing there, found a severe stress rate of 21.9%, also using the PSS-10 questionnaire. ...
Background: Community health workers (CHWs) involved in COVID-19 response might be at increased risk of stress, though evidence remains absent. Objective: To assess the effects of COVID-19 related work on stress and identified factors associated with the risk of deteriorating to severe stress among CHWs in Vietnam.
... Self-efficacy is another cognitive factor that may be associated with coronavirus anxiety. The association between lower self-efficacy and increased general anxiety symptoms has been primarily observed among samples of frontline health workers in Wuhan, China, where the pandemic began [28,29]. It is unclear if factors such as gender and race also moderate the association between general self-efficacy and coronavirus-specific anxiety. ...
... Growing empirical support suggests self-efficacy may buffer some of the negative effects of mental health [53]. Previous work has documented the association between lower self-efficacy and anxiety among health workers during the coronavirus pandemic [28,29]. The current study found lower general self-efficacy to be significantly associated higher coronavirus anxiety. ...
... Strengths of this study include early reporting on the outcome of coronavirus-specific anxiety measures that captured a composite of cognitive and somatic dimensions. This study builds on prior coronavirus studies [28,29,42] by examining the association between self-efficacy and anxiety by using a coronavirus anxiety measure that includes both cognitive and somatic items. Additionally, this study used participants from Prolific, a dedicated respondent pool for academic research. ...
Abstract: The coronavirus pandemic has escalated rates of anxiety in the general U.S. population. Understanding how factors associated with coronavirus anxiety at the start of the pandemic differed among populations hardest impacted by coronavirus anxiety is key to effectively remediating negatively associated health outcomes and to better understand how to address concerns of the public at
the start of a global pandemic. This study was a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional online survey of 1165 Prolific users between 13 and 15 March 2020. Data were collected from a stratified sample of U.S. adults aged 20 or older and currently living in the United States. The sample was stratified for age, gender, and race. Coronavirus anxiety was assessed as the dependent variable, alongside three independent variables: coronavirus crisis perception, perceived economic risk of
coronavirus, and general self-efficacy. Multiple linear regression assessed the associations between the independent variables and coronavirus anxiety. Interactions between independent variables and two sociodemographic variables (i.e., gender, race) were also explored. The models were adjusted for age, gender, race, education, employment, and income. The average age of participants was 45.6 � 15.7. The majority (76%) identified as White, approximately half identified as female
and reported obtaining a bachelor’s degree or higher. Coronavirus crisis perception and perceived economic risk of coronavirus were positively associated with coronavirus anxiety. General self-efficacy was negatively associated with coronavirus anxiety. Gender and race both moderated the association between coronavirus crisis perception and anxiety. Race moderated the association between perceived economic risk and coronavirus crisis perception. These results provide
a foundation to further explore cognitive factors in subgroups disproportionately affected by anxiety during the pandemic.
... Xiao et al. [5] determined that health workers in Wuhan experienced high levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In another study, it was reported that frontline healthcare workers in Wuhan during the peak of the pandemic were under moderate to severe stress [6]. ...
... Health workers are an important part of society, and doctors and nurses were at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic (14). Accordingly, doctors and nurses experienced stress leading to burnout during the pandemic [6,13,22]. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between burnout and the stress levels of doctors and nurses and their healthy lifestyle behaviors during this time frame. ...
... In studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was stated that the use of positive coping methods by healthcare professionals protected their mental health [26]. Tere are studies showing that doctors and nurses used positive methods such as exercise, music, yoga, or meditation as a way of coping with stress during the pandemic process [6,28]. In a study conducted in Pakistan and Palestine, it was determined that health workers turned to religious activities to cope with stress [29]. ...
Background. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationships between burnout among doctors and nurses and stress levels and healthy lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. The study was carried out as a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 258 nurses and doctors working at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Cebeci Research and Application Hospital. Data were collected between April and October 2021 using a sociodemographic form, the Burnout Measure Short Version (BMS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale-II (HLBS-II). T tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc (Tukey, LSD) analyses were used to analyze the descriptive characteristics and scale scores of the participants. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between scale scores and continuous data. Regression analysis was performed to define the reason and result relationship between the scales. Results. As a result of the correlation analysis, a positive, moderate relationship was found between the participants’ PSS total scores and BMS total scores (p<0.05). There was a moderate and weak statistically significant relationship between the participants’ PSS and BMS total score average and HLBS-II total score and subdimensions (p<0.05). In addition, it was determined that there was a statistically significant and negative correlation between the participants’ PSS and BMS total score average and the HLBS-II total score and subdimensions (p<0.05). After the regression analysis, the relationship between the reason and the result among the total PSS, BMS, and HLBS-II scores was found to be significant (p<0.05). Conclusions. The results obtained from this study revealed that the rising burnout and stress levels of nurses and doctors during the pandemic decreased the level of healthy lifestyle behaviors and led them to use negative coping methods.
... experienced stress disorders, 12.4%-77% reported sleep disorders, and between 51.6% and 56.8% reported PTSD symptoms. Similarly, a study on the psychological effects of COVID-19 on HCWs and Community Care Workers in Wuhan using Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) shows that majority of frontline workers experienced fear of infections and infecting others, exhaustion from prolonged use of protective gears, and straining workloads, among others [9]. The study also shows prevalence of elevated depression (BDI-II scores≥14) and anxiety symptoms (BAI scores≥8) among HCWs, with over half (59.0%) of the respondents experiencing moderate to severe levels of perceived stress (PSS scores≥14) [9]. ...
... Similarly, a study on the psychological effects of COVID-19 on HCWs and Community Care Workers in Wuhan using Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) shows that majority of frontline workers experienced fear of infections and infecting others, exhaustion from prolonged use of protective gears, and straining workloads, among others [9]. The study also shows prevalence of elevated depression (BDI-II scores≥14) and anxiety symptoms (BAI scores≥8) among HCWs, with over half (59.0%) of the respondents experiencing moderate to severe levels of perceived stress (PSS scores≥14) [9]. ...
Objectives
Psychological distress is a common occurrence among health workers during infectious disease outbreaks. Yet documented evidence on the scope of the challenge in faith-based healthcare organizations is scanty. Accordingly, this research used Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model to assess faith-based health workers’ exposure to stressors during the outbreak of the Marburg Disease Virus in Ghana, the coping strategies adopted and psychological interventions employed to assist affected staff.
Method
A phenomenological study, involving 15 clinical and nonclinical healthcare workers from the Christian Health Association of Ghana, was conducted. Interviews were arranged virtually, and data analyzed with Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis.
Findings
Participants revealed stress and mental health challenges during the Marburg disease outbreak, citing quarantine, fear of infection, and inadequate protective measures as stressors. Psychological impacts included insomnia, anxiety, and heightened health vigilance. Dissatisfaction arose from insufficient support and resources, such as isolation facilities, protective gear, and counselling. Work-related stress emerged from increased workload, staffing issues, and a lack of expertise. Concerns extended to family well-being and personal life.
Conclusions
Enhancing the support infrastructure of faith-based health facilities in Ghana, including expanded psychological resources and the adoption of health emergency protocols would enable such facilities to secure health workers from mental distress during health emergencies.
... Several risk factors associated with PTSD, depression and anxiety have been identified in various studies (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). Based on our study, it was found that the old age group was more likely to have symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety. ...
... In the current study, sex was not a significant risk factor. Other studies have found females to suffer more during the pandemic due to increased household responsibilities and domestic violence during the lockdown (18,19,(22)(23)(24). ...
Objective
The current study is a cross-sectional survey that aims to assess an association COVID-19 on mental health in rural areas of Central India.
Methods
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were used to evaluate the anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among families with at least one member having been affected by COVID-19 during November 2022 to December 2022 in Durg District of Chhattisgarh State.
Results
A total of 431 participants were interviewed from 18 villages of Durg district of Chhattisgarh state. Symptoms of distress, anxiety and depression were observed in 26.2, 14.8 and 11.8% of participants. The death of family members due to COVID-19 and out of pocket expenditure was considerably associated with a higher risk of mental distress. A reduction in income was significantly associated with depression ( p -value = 0.025, OR = 2.066, 95% CI = 1.115–3.817). Decline in income was also linked to depression among study participants ( p value = 0.025, OR = 2.066, 95% CI = 1.115–3.817). Education, smoking and out of pocket expenditure was found be independently associated with occurrence of symptoms concerned with PTSD.
Conclusion
The study points to the significance of socioeconomic factors like food security, and income stability during COVID-19 in mental health outcomes even after 1 year of pandemic. Increasing access to mental health resources and support for those affected by financial and food insecurities can help individuals cope with stress and maintain mental well-being.
... The virus's rapid dissemination, coupled with extensive lockdowns and social restrictions, generated significant uncertainty and apprehension [2,3]. Healthcare workers (HCWs) faced extraordinary challenges as primary responders, including hazardous working conditions, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and unrelenting workloads [4][5][6]. These stressors were further exacerbated by stigma associated with highexposure occupations, concerns regarding the potential for infecting loved ones, and the apprehension of virus exposure [7,8]. ...
... Widely adopted strategies included mindfulness practices, physical exercise, and reliance on social support networks [14,15]. Organizational responses, such as structured counseling and mental health hotlines, were implemented in certain environments to address the crisis [4,7]. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs were found significantly effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among HCWs [14,6]. ...
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant psychological challenges to frontline healthcare workers (HCWs), including anxiety, stress, and emotional strain. Aim: This study investigates the psychological impact on HCWs during the pandemic and explores coping strategies employed to manage distress. Methods: An integrative review was conducted using 24 studies published between January and December 2020. These studies were analyzed to identify common psychological outcomes and coping mechanisms among HCWs. Results: Healthcare workers experienced significant psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, including anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression. Anxiety was the most commonly reported issue, particularly among women, younger healthcare workers, and frontline staff. Stress levels were heightened by high workloads, exposure to COVID-19 patients, and inadequate protective measures. Coping strategies and self-care behaviors, such as seeking social support and utilizing institutional resources, varied in effectiveness across populations. Conclusion: The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health support and resilience programs for HCWs, ensuring they are better equipped to face future health crises.
... 1 During the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline HCWs experienced high levels of stress, 2 with many developing psychological symptoms. 3 High stress can affect well-being and work performance and can lead to burnout 4,5 and eventually suicide. 6 Although it is not classified as a psychiatric condition, burnout is included in the ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon characterised by energy depletion, increased mental distance from one's work, and reduced professional efficacy. ...
... The PHQ-4 comprises four items and measures core symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety. 18 Each item is rated on a four-point Likert scale; total scores are rated as normal (0-2), mild (3)(4)(5), moderate (6)(7)(8), and severe (9)(10)(11)(12). Total scores of ≥3 for first two questions suggest anxiety, demand and lower decision latitude and social support, and lower leisure time satisfaction. ...
Background:
This study aimed to investigate factors associated with burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.
Methods:
All HCWs from the Singapore General Hospital were invited to participate in a survey using a secure online platform. Participant demographic data were collected. Instruments used included the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, a brief form of the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire, the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire, and the Leisure Time Satisfaction Scale.
Results:
Of 9888 staff, 742 (7.5%) responded. The mean OLBI score was 43.7, whereas the mean exhaustion subscale score was 22.5 and the mean disengagement subscale score was 21.2. Of the participants, 53.6% and 50.0% met the cut-off values for disengagement and exhaustion, respectively. In the linear regression analysis, those aged 20 to 29 years had higher OLBI scores than those aged ≥40 years (ß = 1.88, p = 0.001). Higher OLBI scores were associated with higher Patient Health Questionnaire-4 scores (ß = 0.52, p < 0.001), including the subscales of anxiety (ß = 0.30, p = 0.038) and depression (ß = 0.70, p < 0.001), lower scores for resilience (ß = -0.20, p < 0.001), particularly in the subscales of self-efficacy (ß = -0.37, p = 0.018) and cognitive focus (ß = -1.02, p < 0.001), higher psychological demand subscale scores (ß = 0.62, p < 0.001) and lower decision latitude subscale scores (ß = -0.33, p < 0.001) and lower social support subscale scores (ß = -0.47, p < 0.001), and lower Leisure Time Satisfaction Scale score (ß = -0.55, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Among HCWs in a Singaporean hospital, burnout was associated with age <40 years, the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, low resilience, high psychological demands and low decision latitude and social support, and low leisure time satisfaction.
... Research reported that the stress, anxiety, and burnout of health professionals caring for COVID-19 patients affected their quality of life [51][52][53][54][55]. Anxiety levels of healthcare workers who had children were found to be higher than those who did not have children [51,56]. ...
... Women who work in health professions face an increased workload due to the increased number of patients with COVID-19 [54]. High levels of depression and anxiety were more common among women health professionals in China [52]. Research from Portugal reports that burnout levels among women health professionals were over four points higher on average in comparison with men [74]. ...
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted work and home life exacerbating pre-existing stressors and introducing new ones. These impacts were notably gendered. In this paper, we explore the different work and home life related stressors of professional workers specifically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic through the gender-based analysis of two pan Canadian surveys: The Canadian Community Health Survey (2019, 2020, 2021) and the Healthy Professional Worker Survey (2021). Analyses revealed high rates of work stress among professional workers compared to other workers and this was particularly notable for women. Work overload emerged as the most frequently selected source of work stress, followed by digital stress, poor work relations, and uncertainty. Similar trends were noted in life stress among professional workers, particularly women. Time pressure consistently stood out as the primary source of non-work stress, caring for children and physical and mental health conditions. These findings can help to develop more targeted and appropriate workplace mental health promotion initiatives that are applicable to professional workers taking gender more fully into consideration.
... Of notice is that people self-rated as well-informed about the pandemic and about the reasons for physical/social distancing/isolation measures were more likely to screen positive for all three outcomes under analysis. On the other hand, the lack of knowledge of the pandemic increased the risk of elevated anxiety (Du et al., 2020), and dissatisfaction with the available amount of health information about COVID-19 was related to stress during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population in China . ...
... Studies on university students and/or university community's mental health in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited. The most studied group was healthcare workers, regarded as a highly exposed group with a higher risk of psychological/psychiatric symptoms during the pandemic (De Boni et al., 2020;Du et al., 2020;Li et al., 2020). These surveys were predominantly conducted in Asia, with a variety of methodologies and screening tools, so equiparable data with university communities from Latin America is scarce, what limits the current comparability. ...
Objective This study presents the prevalence and factors associated with comorbidity in screening for depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive/exploratory study used self-reported DASS-21 to screen for mental health. Results In an online sample, 14.48% (n = 260), 12.42% (n = 223), and 31.12% (n = 559) illegible of participants were screened, respectively, positive for only one, for only two and for all the three outcomes. Being student, having children, using substances, reporting COVID-19 symptoms, reporting worsened emotional state, and previous mental disorders were associated with comorbidity for depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion Individuals from the studied university’s community experienced psychological disorders, as measured by levels of anxiety, depression, and stress and comorbidity for these outcomes, probably as Covid-19’s initial psychological impact.
... As was mentioned earlier, that the COVID-19 outbreak-related uncertainties, devastations, misinterpretation of the pandemic, and need of adaptation have been associated with the prevalence of psychological symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety and sleep problems among both front-line workers and general public (Du et al., 2020;Varshney, Parel, Raizada & Sarin, 2020;Huang & Zhao, 2020). As a result, Buheji, Jahrami and Dhahi (2020) structured and proposed a framework to help to practise resilient practices such as visualising a 'stress mitigation strategy' during a long-term pandemic. ...
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an area that grown in the last three decades and been supported with lots real-world examples to the extent that (CSR) is considered to be one of the strong catalyst factors for sustainable development (Idowu & Leal Filho, 2009). There is mounting evidence in the literature that CSR managed to create a differentiation in relevant to the economic, social, environmental and cultural bottom-line (Crișan-Mitra & Borza, 2015; Behringer & Szegedi, 2016). However, in the one side, random and scientifically-baseless CSR practices by private businesses could lead to controversial outcomes whether for those participating businesses or their stakeholders (Luke, 2013; Moon, 2007; Hawkins, 2006).
The unprecedented devastating conditions and the uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, present a new challenge to the CSR advocates and leading corporates. The challenge extends to the way that the CSR funds and related projects are allocated, and how they are prioritised towards the most important value-added creation needed during this moment of the world crisis.
The financial crisis resulted from the pandemic turbulences has already a negative impact on corporate social responsibility programs (Burlea et al., 2017). Besides, there are proliferating complications of COVID-19 outbreak on societal and economic aspects, which inevitably demand more amplified, prioritised, and strategically optimised CSR implementation and participation. These complications might bring with them a potential risk of ethical lapses in CSR programs implementation, especially if assigned to third parties during the COVID-19 times (Dave, 2020).
The other branch of social responsibility is ‘individual responsibility’ which represents the individual’s perception of what he/she should do in order to help society, and level of personal dedication to support their own and others’ wellbeing (Mihaela, 2018). This type of responsibility can take different forms extending from the simple action of natural resources protection to aiding senior people in the community.
In pandemics like COVID-19, individual responsibility is a fundamental aspect that could be manifested through responsible behaviour and interest to take an active and proactive role to purposefully help in confronting the challenges that our societies suffer from. This would perfectly be of optimal value when it goes hand in hand with institutions’ obligations and commitments in large. However, in crises, individual responsibilities become more challenging due to the multiple and diverse stresses influencing people’s life wellbeing, and may weaken their normal functioning and limit their mental and physical capacities (Wang et al., 2020; Buheji et al., 2020).
In other words, psychological disturbances, social restrictions, and self-isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic could be seen as major restrictors to actively pursue or freely enrol in community activities.
... According to earlier research, nurses who have intimate contact with patients who have emerging infectious diseases like SARS, MERS, Ebola, or H1N1 experience a variety of physical and mental health issues, including exhaustion, worry, fear, loneliness, and sleep disturbances. [9] Since COVID-19 is a new disease and different nations have diverse medical systems and cultures, more research is required to determine the psychological effects of the pandemic on staff nurses. ...
Background: COVID-19, declared a pandemic by WHO in March 2020, is
caused by SARS-CoV-2, affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.
Symptoms range from mild to severe, with asymptomatic individuals
also spreading the virus. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, those
with underlying conditions, and children. Healthcare workers face
physical, emotional, and mental health challenges.
Aim: To evaluate the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on
staff nurses employed by a few Ludhiana, Punjab, tertiary care hospitals.
Date of Submission: 2025-01-11
Date of Acceptance: 2025-02-15
Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design assessed the
psychological effects of COVID-19 on staff nurses in Ludhiana, Punjab.
The pilot study included eight nurses, and 80 nurses from Nurses Hostel
Malakpur, working at Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, were select-
ed via convenience sampling. Data were collected electronically using
online forms and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The study’s findings showed that the majority of nurses (62%)
knew nothing about the coronavirus prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
and that 70% of them did not know of any significant others who had
the virus. Additionally, some nurses reported that their coworkers (21%)
had tested positive for the virus. Seventy percent of nurses looked for
information about COVID-19 on the Internet or social media.
Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 67.5% of nurses reported
a positive public perception of healthcare workers. While 20% expe-
rienced moderate depression, 65% had normal depression scores.
Moderate anxiety was present in 31.3%, and 75% had varying anxiety
levels. Stress was subclinical in 76.3%, with mild stress (11.3%) linked
to COVID-19. Factors like limited prior knowledge, exposure to infected
individuals, media usage, and societal attitudes were associated with
nurses’ depression, anxiety, and stress. Overall, nurses reported low
stress, moderate anxiety, and depression levels.
Keywords: Psychological Impact, Covid-19, Staff Nurses
... In the study by Sirati Nair et al., most of the medical staff, especially nurses, who worked directly with Covid-19 patients reported severe and unhealthy levels of stress and mental distress [24]. Low psychological distress in nurses working directly with COVID-19 patients during the pandemic has also been reported in several other studies [25][26][27][28], These results are similar to the results of our study. Individuals with high distress tolerance tend to react to distress with greater adaptation compared to individuals with lower distress tolerance [29]. ...
Background: Nurses, as professionals in the caring profession, try to perform safe and effective nursing interventions all the time and support patients to achieve the most favorable treatment outcomes. Nowadays, one of the important and international issues in nursing is distress tolerance. This study aimed to determine distress tolerance and affecting it among nurses working in the COVID-19 intensive care unit. Methods: This study is cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 128 nurses working in the intensive care unit. A non-randomized convenience sampling method was used to select the samples based on the inclusion criteria. The data collection instruments included two questionnaires: a demographic characteristics questionnaire and a standardized distress tolerance questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results: The mean age of the samples was 34.95 ± 6.77 years. The highest scores of distress tolerance subscales included appraisal (17.89±3.62), tolerance (8.97±2.60), absorption (8.83±2.30), and regulation (2.25 ±8.39), respectively. The statistical test of linear regression showed that service history and shift work have a significant power to predict nurses' distress tolerance. Conclusion: The distress tolerance of nurses working in the ICU units was low. Factors such as service history and shift work influence their distress tolerance. Accordingly, it is necessary to plan to improve nurses' distress tolerance.
... These researchers recommended immediate action to reduce psychological distress among nurses. Also, psychological distress has been reported to be lower in nurses working in the coronavirus ward [31][32][33][34], which is similar to the results of our study. ...
Background: In addition to the serious physical health impacts on nurses, COVID-19 has brought about significant psychological distress. Considering that spirituality as a strong foundation can be a powerful factor in controlling stressful conditions, this study was conducted with the objective of determining the effect of spiritual self-care education on the resilience of nurses working in COVID-19 intensive care units. Methods: We conducted this randomized clinical trial study on 128 nurses working in COVID-19 intensive care units. Nurses were selected using convenience sampling. They were then randomly divided into two groups: intervention (64 nurses) and control (64 nurses). The research group received a spiritually based educational program in 6 sessions of 45 minutes each, held as a one-day event. Five relevant faculty members and the research team examined and approved the validity of the educational content. Two questionnaires (demographic characteristics and distress tolerance) were used to collect data. These questionnaires were completed by both groups before and after the intervention. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS.25 software and statistical tests including the t-test, chi-square, and Fisher's exact test. Results: The mean age of nurses in the control and intervention groups was 35.23 ± 7.68 and 34.95 ± 6.77 years, respectively. The results of the independent samples t-test showed a statistically significant difference in the mean distress tolerance score and all its subscales (tolerance, absorption, evaluation, regulation) between the intervention and control groups after the intervention (P < 0.001). The level of distress tolerance in the intervention group after the intervention (50.40±5.71) increased significantly compared to before the intervention (44.39±5.23) (P<0.001). Conclusion: Ultimately, the results indicated that spiritual self-care training increases distress tolerance in nurses. Therefore, we recommend implementing a spiritual self-care program and planning for nurse participation in spiritual activities to enhance their psychological well-being.
... Anxiety disrupts daily activities like sleep, nutrition, and personal activities. Physical and mental health status, social wellbeing level, and job stability are among the determinants of anxiety resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic [13,14]. Therefore, the social and mental consequences of COVID-19, especially anxiety, merit attention. ...
Introduction: Given the importance of anxiety management in pandemics, this study evaluated the effectiveness of telepsychiatry in reducing anxiety in outpatients with COVID-19 and their satisfaction. Methods: This RCT was conducted in a health center in which 188 COVID-19 outpatients participated. First, anxiety level was measured in both the intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Then, the IG was offered four educational contents via WhatsApp for four consecutive weeks. One month later, participants completed the BAI questionnaire again, and the CG completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests were applied. Results: Psychosomatic complications were significantly reduced only in IG, but physical complications were reduced in both groups. Total anxiety also decreased significantly in both groups, but more significantly in IG (p < .001 for IG and p < .039 for CG). The efficacy of telepsychiatry in reducing anxiety in healthcare workers was greater than in other occupational groups. There was no significant relationship between other demographic variables and telepsychiatry effectiveness. Seventy-eight percent of IG participants had a high level of satisfaction and 70.3% expressed a high desire to receive telepsychiatry in the future. The most important advantages of telepsychiatry were observing social distance, saving time, and reducing costs. In addition, The most important challenges were the lack of face-to-face contact, the lack of previous experience, and the late response of the psychologist. Conclusion: Telepsychiatry effectively reduced moderate anxiety related to COVID-19 and provided high satisfaction. Clinical Trail Registration Number: IRCTID: IRCT20211223053500N1.
... According to studies, medical personnel treating patients with COVID-19 are less psychologically adjusted (they experienced high stress, anxiety, depression and low self-efficacy) because they have high possibility of contacting the disease [185,186]. Furthermore, experts proposed that frontline healthcare professionals should be regularly monitored because they are high-risk people for maladjustment [187,188]. Thus, limited studies were recorded on relationship between psychological adjustment and workshop safety behaviour among EET students in the universities. ...
The realities of accidents free situation in academic workshops and classrooms are anchored on strict adherence to laboratory safety rules and regulations, and normal classroom behaviour. The reality is less abided by Electrical/Electronic Technology students in classroom and workshops in the universities, causing accidents that lead to minor and major injuries, death and damages to workshop valuable equipment and items, increase in student dropout and low academic achievement. The inability of Electrical/Electronic Technology students to adhere to laboratory safety rules and regulations, and normal classroom behaviour is attributed to their low emotional intelligence ability because low emotional intelligence is related to violent behaviour and participation in delinquent behaviour. Thus, this study investigated the mediating role of psychological adjustment ability on emotional intelligence—workshop/laboratory safety behaviour relationship among Electrical/Electronic Technology students. The study adopted correlation research design. The study sampled 179 Electrical/Electronic Technology students from the two government universities in South-West zone in Nigeria. A structured questionnaire comprising emotional intelligence, psychological adjustment and workshop safety behaviour scales was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, Pearson product moment correlation, simple linear, hierarchical multiple regression analytical tool and 5000 re-samples BC bootstrapping method through process macro. The study established that psychological adjustment mediated emotional intelligence—workshop safety behaviour relationship. Study upheld that emotional intelligence and emotional intelligence factors (appraisal and expression of emotion, regulation of emotion and utilization of emotion) predicted psychological adjustment and workshop safety behaviour of Electrical/Electronic Technology students.
... Estas condiciones y la alta tasa de mortalidad del virus han llevado a la detección de factores que perturban la salud mental del personal de enfermería durante el cuidado de estos pacientes, presentando estrés de moderado a severo y niveles elevados de ansiedad y depresión (Du et al., 2020). Por lo tanto, los datos de investigación para el desarrollo de enfoques basados en la evidencia son esenciales para reducir las consecuencias negativas de la epidemia en Salud psicológica del personal de enfermería (Giorgi et al., 2020). ...
RESUMEN Objetivo: describir la percepción del personal de enfermería que brinda cuidado durante la pandemia por Covid-19. Metodología: estudio cualitativo descriptivo con análisis de contenido temático e inductivo, la selección de participantes fue por muestreo no probabilístico e intencionado, 50 enfermeros que laboran en la unidad de cuidado intensivo adulto y hospitalización. Se aplicó entrevista para la recolección de datos, que partió de una pregunta central, el análisis se realizó según planteamientos propuestos por Tinto. Resultados: emergieron tres temas con sus unidades de significado. Cuidado de enfermería durante la pandemia: mezcla de emociones. Separación familiar como medida de cuidado. Trabajo en equipo una estrategia de afrontamiento. Conclusión: Los desafíos a los cuales el personal de enfermería se ha enfrentado en esta pandemia ha llevado a la presencia de un sin número de manifestaciones emocionales que deben ser tenidas en cuenta para el manejo psicoemocional y prevención de secuelas a largo plazo.
... The spread and rapid transmission of COVID-19, combined with inadequate preparedness, majorly contributes to many psychological issues, especially among frontline health professionals globally [15]. Since the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by WHO, there has been a constant increase in the number of studies conducted to examine the perception and attitude-behavior and psychological impact on frontline workers [10,16]. However, this study results in the positive feedback perception of the health workers toward the coronavirus. ...
... al., 2020b E:Du et al., 2020;Xu et al. Isolation or quarantine especially from loved ones OS:Huang et al., 2020; Kang et al., 2020;Lai et al., 2020;Lu et al., 2020;Zhang et al., 2020a E: Li et al., 2020 Puttingloved ones at risk of infection or knowledge of loved ones being infected OS: Kang et al., 2020; Lu et al., 2020; Sun et al., 2020 E: Du et al., 2020 Facing life and death decision making around critical COVID-19 patients OS: Lu et al., 2020; Wu W et al., 2020 Uncertainty around COVID-19 disease control in the workplace/community OS: Sun et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2020a Shortage or limited personal protective equipment OS: Lu et al., 2020; Mo et al., 2020, Xiao et al. 2020b E: Zhang et al., 2020b Time spend focusing or thinking about COVID-19 due to occupation OS: Huang et al., 2020Increased burnout/stress, staff or resource shortages/low pay OS:Elbay et al., 2020; Mo et al., 2020;Sun et al., 2020, E: Du et al., 2020 ...
OBJECTIVES: The current COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the mental health of frontline workers worldwide. Currently there are limited published studies addressing mental health issues in frontline workers. The objective of this scoping review is to examine the range of existing global literature on mental health issues reported in frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand what mitigating factors exist. METHODS: The scoping review was guided by the Levac Colquhoun and O’Brien’s adapted version of Arkey and O’Malley’s framework. We performed a comprehensive search of three databases, Pubmed, APA PsychINFO, and CINAHL, identifying 684 studies. In total, 16 original studies and 4 letters to editors were included in this review. RESULTS: Of the original studies, 13 were published in China, and the remaining 3 in Italy, Turkey, and Iraq; all letters to editors were published in China. Sources of stress reported in frontline workers across studies included direct contact with COVID-19 patients, isolation, putting loved ones at risk, facing life and death decision making with COVID-19 patients, uncertainty with COVID-19 disease control, limited personal protective equipment, time spent thinking about COVID-19, limited staff/resources/pay, burnout, and stigma. Mental health symptoms and outcomes reported in frontline workers were fear, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, burnout, and psychological distress. CONCLUSION: Findings demonstrate the immediate need to increase mental health awareness and resources at an individual and system wide level. Mental health programs need to be catered towards each unique workplace to provide the necessary resources for frontline workers.
... Balancing of professional duties with personal care giving roles create additional stress for many female HCWs, especially in households where they had to continue taking care of children or elderly family members during lockdowns. HCWs reported more symptoms of anxiety and distress during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the compounded demands of their professional roles and family responsibilities (24). Factors such as fear of transmitting the virus to loved ones, work-life imbalance, increased domestic responsibilities, marital strain, moral injury at work, and societal expectations placed immense psychological pressure on them. ...
Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at the forefront of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, facing daily risks of infection and enduring long, demanding work shifts. This prolonged exposure placed them at significant risk for mental health challenges. This study provides an evidence-based analysis of the adverse mental health impacts experienced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis, underscoring the importance of prioritizing their psychological well-being in future public health emergencies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving 398 healthcare workers from tertiary care hospitals, collected via the Google Forms platform. The survey assessed levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among participants. Results: The results revealed a significant prevalence of depression, with female healthcare workers reporting higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression compared to males. Those living apart from their families also showed elevated depression levels. Additionally, mental health scores varied significantly between senior residents, junior residents, and interns, with those working in COVID-19 ICUs experiencing the highest levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Conclusion: The findings highlight the critical need for ongoing mental health support for healthcare workers and the necessity of implementing effective mental health interventions during future health crises.
... In Italy, among the first European countries to be hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers showed high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [8][9][10]. Similar results have been reported by studies conducted in several countries around the world, including China [11,12], the USA [13,14], and India [15,16]. ...
Background
Virtual reality (VR) is helpful for the management of stress and anxiety. However, current interventions have limitations related to location (ie, therapist’s office or hospitals) and content (ie, virtual experiences only for relaxation).
Objective
This randomized pilot trial aims to investigate the efficacy and acceptability of a brief remote VR-based training for supporting stress and anxiety management in a sample of Italian health care workers.
Methods
A total of 29 doctors and nurses (n=21; 72% female; mean age 35.6, SD 10.3 years) were recruited and randomized to a VR intervention group or a control group in a passive control condition. Participants assigned to the VR intervention group received remote VR-based training consisting of 3 sessions at home delivered in 1 week using the VR psychoeducational experience “MIND-VR” and the 360° relaxing video “The Secret Garden.” The primary outcome measures were stress, anxiety, depression, and the knowledge of stress and anxiety assessed at baseline and posttreatment. We also evaluated the immediate effect of the remote VR-based training sessions on the perceived state of anxiety and negative and positive emotions. The secondary outcome measure was the usability at home of the VR system and content.
Results
The VR intervention significantly reduced stress levels as assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (6.46, 95% CI 2.77 to 10.5; P=.046) and increased the knowledge of stress and anxiety, as evaluated by the ad hoc questionnaire adopted (–2.09, 95% CI –3.86 to –0.529; P=.046). However, the home-based VR training did not yield similar reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression levels as assessed by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items or in trait anxiety as evaluated through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y-1. After the home training sessions with VR, there was a significant decrease in anxiety, anger, and sadness and an increase in happiness levels. Analyses of the questionnaires on usability indicated that the health care workers found using the VR system at home easy and without adverse effects related to cybersickness. Of 33 participants, 29 (88%) adhered to the protocol.
Conclusions
The results of this randomized pilot study suggest that a week-long home VR intervention, created with content created specifically for this purpose and available free of charge, can help individuals manage stress and anxiety, encouraging further research investigating the potential of remote VR interventions to support mental health.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04611399; https://tinyurl.com/scxunprd
... Given that it is detrimental for HCWs, organizations and patient-centered care [13][14][15], and that there is a positive correlation between it and quitting [47], work-related illness [48] and suicide [49] in the scientific literature, as well as depression, anxiety [50], moral distress [51][52][53][54][55], medical errors [56][57][58], reduced job satisfaction [59,60], reduced quality of work life [61], and increased alcohol and drug use [62,63], it is important to assess the risks of burnout. To do this, it is necessary to identify the most common factors influencing the development of burnout, both at the professional level and at the individual personality level. ...
Background
The occupational stress that contributes to the development of burnout syndrome remains one of the greatest scientific challenges. Despite years of research into burnout and its determinants, burnout continues to attract the attention of researchers, and healthcare workers (HCWs) continue to experience burnout in large numbers. Burnout has a significant impact on both the mental and physical well-being of HCWs and reduces patient-centered healthcare. This review aims to identify the factors affecting healthcare workers’ burnout (FAHCWB) and their conceptual models.
Methods
The review was conducted according to Arksey and O'Malley's framework using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, ProQuest, Sage, Science Direct, and EBSCO using the following keywords: healthcare professionals, burnout, and internal/external factors. Empirical, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-design research articles published in English with full-text access in peer-reviewed journals that investigated the FAHCWB were included. For an in-depth analysis of the included articles, the authors developed a data synthesis table, and thematic analysis was applied to the analysis.
Results
According to the inclusion criteria, 38 articles were selected for further data analysis. Six main themes were identified: (1) FAHCWB; (2) conceptual models of FAHCWB; (3) research tools for studying FAHCWB; (4) findings on FAHCWB in the context of different models; (5) differences between findings from different models; (6) what is known and not known about FAHCWB. The results of the review show that most researchers conduct research on factors affecting burnout (FAB) based on factors related to the work environment, with fewer studies based on individual factors, including personality factors. Most of the research is based on the model developed by Maslach et al. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) has been used in most studies.
Conclusions
Despite years of research, burnout continues to evolve rapidly, indicating that scientific research needs to be re-focused. Research should be conducted using different conceptual models and new research tools that allow the syndrome to be studied from a multidimensional perspective, including both the work environment and individual factors.
... The other associated factor with depression in HCWs at the time of the COVID pandemic is being married. This finding is consistent with other studies in China (75,76). The possible explanation could be the fear of contaminating and loss their loved ones due to the pandemic and separation from the family members (77,78). ...
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is one of the public health problems that pose a serious mental health concern due to its high morbidity and mortality rate. The healthcare workers are at risk of developing mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety because they are the first point of contact in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence and the associated factors of depression and anxiety disorders among healthcare workers amid COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia.
Method
A systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted. Different primary studies that assessed the depressive and anxiety disorders during amid COVID-19 pandemic in the Ethiopian healthcare workers were extracted by Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA version 11 for further analysis. Random-effects model meta-analysis was used to the estimate pooled effect size and the effect of each study with their 95% confidence interval. Funnel plot analysis and Egger regression tests were conducted to detect the presence of publication bias. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted.
Results
Thirteen studies with 5,174 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis study. The pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders was 40.39% (95% CI: 28.54, 52.24) and 44.93% (95% CI: 31.39, 58.46), respectively. Being a woman, being married, working in the frontline, and having high perceived susceptibility were significantly associated with depression among the Ethiopian healthcare workers. Similarly, being a woman, being older in age, working in the frontline, and having high perceived susceptibility were the factors associated with anxiety disorder among the Ethiopian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
The prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in the Ethiopian healthcare workers was high. The timely detection and appropriate management of mental health problems is essential for the quality of healthcare services, and proactive support methods for the female, married, and older-age healthcare professionals could result in these outcomes.
Systematic Review Registration
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022299074.
... Among other healthcare professionals, nurses are mostly exposed to psychologically distressing situations during this time of crisis. 6,7 Fear is a frequent phenomenon experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported in multiple studies. 8,9 Front line nurses in particular face countless challenges, including intense fear of viral transmission to self and to others while attending to managing critically ill patients. ...
Background
Nurses are at the forefront of caring for patients during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses themselves are exposed to serious risk and even death while providing care for these patients. Among other healthcare professionals, nurses are mostly exposed to psychologically distressing situations during this time of crisis. Fear of COVID-19 can affect nurses’ overall well-being, which in turn may affect their job performance and lead to a decline in the quality of patient care.
Objectives
To determine the level of fear of COVID-19, and to explore the experiences of COVID-19-related fear of frontline nurses in a national university hospital in the Philippines.
Methods
To achieve the study objectives, the study utilized a convergent mixed methodology approach. In the quantitative phase, a random sample of participants completed the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S) in order to assess their level of fear of COVID-19. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the qualitative strand. Participants in the qualitative phase was selected using maximum variation sampling. Integration of data was done through a narrative contiguous approach.
Results
Quantitative data was obtained from 206 frontline registered nurses. The mean age of the participants was 35.5 years (SD =8.17). Overall, the composite score of the fear of COVID-19 scale was 21.76 (SD = 4.92), indicating an elevated level of fear. Having friends and relatives who tested positive predicted fear of COVID-19 (β = -3.658; p = 0.005; CI: -6.213 to -1.104). Three major themes categories emerged from qualitative data analysis: (1) balancing feelings of fear and moral obligation, (2) challenges experienced while providing frontline work, and (3) resilience amidst challenges. For the reporting and integration of our mixed-method results, a narrative contiguous approach was implemented.
Conclusions
Frontline nurses reported an elevated level of fear during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was also able to capture the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of nurses, specifically on their fear experiences. Understanding the underlying causes of fear, such as uncertainties surrounding guidelines and protocols, shortage of personal protective equipment, and moral distress, offers invaluable insights for shaping proactive strategies and policies aimed at mitigating these concerns in subsequent pandemics.
... Many studies worldwide have shown that healthcare workers were more exposed to the appearance of psychological symptoms during the crisis, particularly those working at the frontline (Danet, 2021;Du et al., 2020). These professionals are more likely to develop symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Li et al., 2021) but also burnout and sleep disturbances . ...
Assess the changes in post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), burnout, anxiety, depression, jobstrain, and isostrain levels over time among healthcare workers in emergency departments (EDs) after successive outbreaks of COVID‐19. A prospective, multicenter study was conducted in 3 EDs and an emergency medical service. Healthcare workers who participated in our previous study were invited to participate in a follow‐up 16 and 18 months and completed the questionnaires to assess symptoms of PTSD, burnout, anxiety, depression, jobstrain, and isostrain. Among the 485 healthcare workers asked to participate, 211 (43.5%) completed the survey at inclusion (122 were followed up at 3 months) and 59 participate to the follow‐up study. At 16 months, 10.9% of healthcare workers had symptoms of PTSD and 17.4% at 18 months. At inclusion, 33.5% and 11.7% of healthcare workers had symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. A decrease in anxiety between inclusion and 16 months (p = 0.02) and an increase between 16 and 18 months (p = 0.009) was observed. At inclusion, 40.8% of all healthcare workers had symptoms of burnout. There was an increase in symptoms of burnout between inclusion and 18 months (p = 0.006). At inclusion, 43.2% and 29.5% of healthcare workers were exposed to jobstrain and isostrain, respectively. Jobstrain were higher among paramedics and administrative staff compared to physicians (p = 0.001 and p = 0.026, respectively). Successive outbreaks of COVID‐19 led to long‐term mental health consequences among ED healthcare workers that differed according to occupation. This must be taken into account to rethink the management of teams.
... The transmission of COVID-19 occurs through both direct contact (person-to-person and droplets) and indirect means (airborne contagion and contaminated objects) (9). Numerous factors contribute to mental illhealth, including environmental isolation, low educational attainment, childlessness, urban living, female gender, poor sleep quality, high stress levels, previous traumatic experiences, lack of psychological preparedness, and inadequate knowledge about the pandemic (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). Symptoms of COVID-19 are varied, ranging from fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath to gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and nausea, as well as neurological symptoms such as confusion and chest pain. ...
Background: COVID-19, caused by the positive-sense, single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency on January 30, 2020, due to its rapid spread and severity, initially presenting with symptoms resembling viral pneumonia.Objective: This review investigates the relationship between mental health and COVID-19 infection, focusing on identifying key risk factors and understanding the virus's pathogenic mechanisms.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering studies published between December 2019 and July 2023. Keywords included "COVID-19," "mental health," "stress," "anxiety," "depression," "quarantine," and "social distancing." Inclusion criteria were studies examining the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, the public, and COVID-19 patients. Data extraction focused on study design, sample size, population characteristics, assessment methods, and key findings. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics to summarize study characteristics and synthesize qualitative data for common themes.Results: The review included 20 studies, with a total sample size of 36,204 participants. Key findings indicated significant levels of anxiety (ranging from 20% to 35%), depression (ranging from 15% to 25%), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) (up to 96.2%) among various populations. Risk factors included social isolation, economic instability, and increased stress levels. Protective factors identified were timely dissemination of accurate health information and adherence to precautionary measures, which were associated with lower levels of psychological distress.Conclusion: Understanding the complex interplay between mental health and COVID-19 infection is crucial for developing effective public health strategies. Addressing these factors comprehensively can bolster prevention efforts and enhance outcomes for individuals and communities affected by the ongoing pandemic.
... Te moment when the World Health Organization announced a pandemic state in March 2020 could have become the anxiety generator. Tis decision was the beginning of a period of huge changes that took place in the surrounding reality and which had not yet taken place in the 21st century [11,12]. In a very short time, a safe and relatively predictable life has completely been reorganized for almost everyone. ...
Objective. The aim of the study was to assess some psychological factors that may be related to the attitude towards vaccination against COVID-19. Methods. The study involved 419 responders, including 317 people aged 36.10 ± 13.41 years who received vaccination against COVID-19 and 102 people aged 38.16 ± 12.33 years who decided not to be vaccinated. The study was conducted online in January-June 2022 in the Polish population. The following methods were used for the study: the generic conspiracist beliefs scale (GCBS), the perceived stress scale (PSS-10), and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI-X2). Results. In the conspiracy beliefs questionnaire, an average score of 34.41 ± 12.95 points was obtained in the vaccinated group and in the unvaccinated group 48.67 ± 13.62 points. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). In the PSS-10 questionnaire, the vaccinated respondents obtained an average score of 19.55 ± 6.75 points, and in the unvaccinated group, the mean score was 18.44 ± 7 points. When comparing the two groups, no statistically significant differences were found. In the vaccinated group, the mean score was 46.96 ± 7.69 points in the state anxiety questionnaire (X2), and 45.85 ± 8.18 points in the unvaccinated group. There were no statistically significant differences between the study groups. Significant positive correlations were found in the results obtained in the conspiracy thinking scale (GCBS), the PSS-10 stress scale, and the anxiety scale as a personality trait (STAI-X2) in both study groups. Conclusions. People presenting conspiracy thinking may be more likely to show antivaccine attitudes compared to people not showing a tendency to this kind of thinking. Conspiracy thinking may not only be associated with a high level of anxiety as a personality trait but also with the level of experienced stress. In the group of unvaccinated people, stress was a significant predictor of conspiratorial thinking. In the group of vaccinated people, anxiety turned out to be a significant predictor of conspiracy thinking. Due to the presence of antivaccine groups, the task of the medical personnel is to educate the public. Moreover, extensive information campaigns are needed to promote vaccination safety in an accessible and understandable language.
... Linear regression addressed a correlation between physical symptoms and greater mean scores as regards IES-R, DASS-21 anxiety, and stress, along depression subscales. Also, Du et al. [35] reported that risk factors involved higher stress, worse sleep quality, and a lack of perceived psychological preparedness. Moreover, Parchani et al. [36] reported that anxiety exhibited greater values among quarantined individuals; the isolated along with home quarantine individuals showed greater stress levels. ...
Background
The prolonged psychiatric disorders rate following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could surpass that of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) as well as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) as a result of variations in viral disease treatment as well as societal circumstances throughout the outbreaks. This work aimed to investigate the COVID-19 prolonged psychiatric effects on survivors without psychiatric diseases before infection.
Methods
This cross-sectional research was conducted on 1254 patients of which 700 patients (55.8%) were positive for psychiatric complications based on the general health (GHQ-28) questionnaire and 554 patients (44.1%) were negative, aged above 18 years old who had been infected with COVID19 (PCR swab confirmed) and recovered since less than 6 months without previous history of any psychiatric disease.
Results
Smoking, medical comorbidities, hospitalization, and cortisone in treatment were significantly higher in GHQ-28 positive than GHQ-28 negative ( p < 0.05). Psychiatric disorders and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) grades showed a significant association between smoking and hospitalization and Taylor Manifest Anxiety scales and smoking, hospitalization, and treatment with cortisone). Smoking, medical comorbidities, hospitalization, and cortisone in treatment were the most significant predictors of positive GHQ-28. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that medical comorbidities, hospitalization, and cortisone in treatment were the best independent predictors of GHQ-28 positive ( p = 7.055, p = 0.007, p = 0.043, p = 0.047, respectively).
Conclusions
COVID-19 cases without pre-existing psychological disorders exhibited a significant increase in psychiatric disorders occurrence 6 months following recovery. Anxiety disorders represented the predominant mental diagnoses documented.
... This can be attributed to the fact that nurses are dedicating more time and energy to patient care, all while managing their own family responsibilities and attempting to protect themselves (Rose et al., 2021). Furthermore, nurses have been reported to suffer from poor sleep quality (Du et al., 2020), which can lead to increased fatigue and a higher risk of depression (Rosnani & Mediarti, 2022). The International Council of Nurses (ICN) conducted a survey across 130 countries, revealing that more than 70% of nurses faced significant psychological pressure. ...
Background: The crisis situation during the pandemic has placed an additional burden on nurses regarding the care of COVID-19 patients. This is due to several factors, including the emergence of new disease variants, a rising number of cases, limited access to information, and nurses’ psychological well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for nurses to receive support from their leadership to effectively fulfill their roles Objective: To determine the key dimensions of compassionate leadership that have the greatest impact on the emotional well-being of nurses working in COVID-19 treatment rooms. Methods: The research design employs a cross-sectional approach, with the independent variable being compassionate leadership, encompassing dimensions such as presence, understanding, empathy, and assistance. The dependent variable under examination is emotional healing. The sampling technique applied is purposive sampling, resulting in a sample size of 200 respondents across eight treatment rooms. Results: Nurses, on the whole, perceived their leaders’ implementation of compassionate leadership during the pandemic crisis as fairly adequate, scoring it at 66.4%. As for emotional healing among nurses, it was, on average, fulfilled to a level of 68.3%. Importantly, there exists a significant relationship between compassionate leadership and emotional healing. Specifically, among the dimensions of compassionate leadership, the one that had the most substantial influence on nurses’ emotional healing was “helping”. Conclusion: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in hospitals, nurses required assistance and support from leadership to navigate the challenges encountered while actively providing care. These interventions could be effectively incorporated by nurses to complement ongoing tuberculosis treatment therapies.
... Enfin, l'incertitude liée à un manque de connaissances sur la maladie et sur l'évolution de la pandémie n'a fait que rajouter un sentiment de peur ou d'anxiété. Cela particulièrement lorsque les professionnels de santé présentaient un risque plus élevé de développer une forme grave de la COVID-19 [33], [34]. La peur de contaminer un membre de sa famille et encore le fait de compter dans son entourage une personne atteinte d'une maladie chronique semble conduire à des niveaux plus élevés de souffrance chez les professionnels de santé [35]. ...
Introduction: La pandémie de la covid-19 est une situation mondiale sans précédent, qui a bouleversé tous les systèmes (économiques, politiques, sociaux et sanitaires). Elle a ouvert la voie à une morbidité psychologique et psychosociale parmi le grand public et les professionnels de santé qu’ils soient directement ou indirectement liés à la riposte. Objectif: Cette étude avait pour objectif était d’identifier les difficultés liées au vécu psychosocial de la COVID-19 chez une population de professionnels de la santé. Méthode: Une étude qualitative, transversale à visé descriptive chez une population de professionnels de santé qui ont eu à recourir à une ligne d’écoute et de soutien a été menée à Dakar de mai 2020 à juillet 2020. Résultats: Au total la ligne a enregistré au total 236 appels dont 20 appels émanant du personnel de santé soit un taux de 8,5%. 08 appels provenant du personnel de santé féminin soit un taux de 40% sur l’ensemble de la population d’étude ont été reçus.Selon le discours des professionnels de santé, les thèmes les plus retrouvés étaient: les difficultés émotionnelles, les difficultés familiales, la surcharge de travail, et le manque de soutien de la hiérarchie. Discussion: A l’issue de notre travail nous avons noté que la santé mentale des professionnels de santé mérite une attention particulière pour un dépistage précoce des troubles psychopathologiques de la Covid-19. Ainsi il est important d’instituer de manière systématique des structures d’aide aux professionnels de la santé lors de la riposte contre les urgences sanitaire.
... Health care workers experienced elevated levels of stress and psychological burden [1], due to factors such as excessive work hours and an increased risk of infection [2,3]. In a study of Wuhan's frontline health care workers' mental health during this pandemic, respondents reported an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and 59% reported moderate to severe perceived stress [4]. Chew et al [5] examined the mental health of health care workers in Singapore and India and found a lower prevalence of psychological symptoms than reported elsewhere but a high prevalence of physical symptoms. ...
Background
The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on health care workers’ mental health, in particular, cannot be ignored. Not only did the pandemic exacerbate mental health challenges through elevated stress, anxiety, risk of infection, and social isolation, but regulations to minimize infection additionally hindered the conduct of traditional in-person mental health care.
Objective
This study explores the feasibility of using Wysa, an artificial intelligence–led mental health app, among health care workers.
Methods
A national tertiary health care cluster in Singapore piloted the use of Wysa among its own health care workers to support the management of their mental well-being during the pandemic (July 2020-June 2022). The adoption of this digital mental health intervention circumvented the limitations of in-person contact and enabled large-scale access to evidence-based care. Rates and patterns of user engagement were evaluated.
Results
Overall, the opportunity to use Wysa was well-received. Out of the 527 staff who were onboarded in the app, 80.1% (422/527) completed a minimum of 2 sessions. On average, users completed 10.9 sessions over 3.80 weeks. The interventions most used were for sleep and anxiety, with a strong repeat-use rate. In this sample, 46.2% (73/158) of health care workers reported symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 [GAD-7]), and 15.2% (24/158) were likely to have symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ-2]).
Conclusions
Based on the present findings, Wysa appears to strongly engage those with none to moderate symptoms of anxiety. This evaluation demonstrates the viability of implementing Wysa as a standard practice among this sample of health care workers, which may support the use of similar digital interventions across other communities.
Aims and Objectives: To investigate the connection between organizational climate and clinical competency among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in government hospitals in Saudi Arabia.
Background: Across the Middle Eastern healthcare settings, studies that explored the link between organizational climate and clinical competency among ICU nurses remain underreported.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 206 ICU nurses from seven government hospitals in the Ha’il Region, Saudi Arabia. Two validated self-report scales were utilized to gather data from August to September 2023. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Results: Most ICU nurses were female, aged 31–35 years, married, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, and had 4–6 years of ICU experience. The organizational climate was perceived positively by 98.10% of nurses, with the highest mean score for independent practice and support. The clinical competency mean score was at a middle level, with the highest mean score for clinical care. Significant differences were noted between organizational climate and age, marital status, educational attainment, years of experience, and hospital assigned. Also, significant differences were demonstrated between clinical competency and gender, marital status, and daily patient workload. Finally, there was a positive correlation between organizational climate and clinical competency.
Conclusion: The study revealed a positive perception of organizational climate among ICU nurses, with a moderate level of clinical competency. The hospital administrators and policymakers can focus on the enhancement of the organizational climate to further support and develop ICU nurses’ competencies.
Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse managers and healthcare administrators should cultivate a positive organizational climate and enhance clinical competency to ensure nursing care quality and improved client outcomes among ICU nurses, thereby promoting commitment, retention, and professional relationships of the workforce.
As known in theatrical literature, one way for communities to heal their traumas is through Applied Theatre (AT). Presenting a case of a theatre workshop promoted and attended by several healthcare professionals of the main hospital in Bergamo, this article shows AT as a resource and tool for professionals dealing with trauma, grief, and loss. Bergamo was the epicentre of the first outbreak of the pandemic in Europe. COVID-19 hit the entire community, dramatically putting the hospital and the ER at the centre of the crisis. Several doctors and nurses organized a theatre workshop a few years later to heal from the trauma and present their story in a theatre play Silent Days, Sleepless Nights, for the city. The article contributes to the literature on Applied Theatre in the post-pandemic era by showing the cathartic power of theatre and its potential for healing from COVID-19 trauma. Returning to tragedy in the classics, AT should be understood as a tool for communities when they experience a shared condition of fragility. The catharsis in the communal sharing of experiences through the staging of the scenes and the construction of a common narrative horizon were the elements through which the meaning and overcoming of painful memories were substantiated.
Nurses face a multitude of stressful circumstances, such as long hours, the weight of patient care, overnight shifts, fast-paced work, emotional demands, interaction with suffering individuals, and dealing with aggressive patient behavior. The ongoing pandemic further intensifies the demands of this already challenging profession. Therefore, this current research aimed to evaluate the connection between work-related stress, emotional intelligence, and the overall life satisfaction of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to examine any differences between male and female nurses. The study enrolled 200 male and female nurses employed in public hospitals. Data was gathered using a demographic questionnaire, the workplace stress scale, emotional intelligence scale, and the satisfaction with life scale. Statistical analyses including frequency distributions, means, standard deviations, linear regression, Pearson correlation, and t-test were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to draw conclusions. The results indicated a significant negative relationship between the variables, notably the association between work stress and emotional intelligence and life satisfaction. Furthermore, it was revealed that work stress is a significant predictor of life satisfaction for nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study indicated that both male and female nurses equally experienced job-related stress in their workplace, with no significant difference in the average values of work stress and life satisfaction between male and female nurses during the pandemic. Since this was a situational study, further exploration is necessary to comprehend stress, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction among doctors and other healthcare staff.
Nurses face a multitude of stressful circumstances, such as long hours, the weight of patient care, overnight shifts, fast-paced work, emotional demands, interaction with suffering individuals, and dealing with aggressive patient behavior. The ongoing pandemic further intensifies the demands of this already challenging profession. Therefore, this current research aimed to evaluate the connection between work-related stress, emotional intelligence, and the overall life satisfaction of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to examine any differences between male and female nurses. The study enrolled 200 male and female nurses employed in public hospitals. Data was gathered using a demographic questionnaire, the workplace stress scale, emotional intelligence scale, and the satisfaction with life scale. Statistical analyses including frequency distributions, means, standard deviations, linear regression, Pearson correlation, and t-test were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to draw conclusions. The results indicated a significant negative relationship between the variables, notably the association between work stress and emotional intelligence and life satisfaction. Furthermore, it was revealed that work stress is a significant predictor of life satisfaction for nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study indicated that both male and female nurses equally experienced job-related stress in their workplace, with no significant difference in the average values of work stress and life satisfaction between male and female nurses during the pandemic. Since this was a situational study, further exploration is necessary to comprehend stress, emotional intelligence, and life satisfaction among doctors and other healthcare staff.
Este material objetivou compreender repercussões da pandemia de COVID-19 no cotidiano de mulheres trabalhadoras da saúde da rede pública de saúde de Petrolina, PE durante os anos de 2021 e 2022, diante da atenção e cuidado a usuários com COVID-19. Foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa descritiva de abordagem qualitativa, com a participação de onze mulheres entre 25 e 39 anos, que responderam a um questionário on-line e entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados verbais foram organizados pelo método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC). Os resultados mostram que o trabalho na linha de frente da COVID-19 desencadeou sinais de ansiedade, angústia, insegurança, medo de adoecer e transmitir para a família, impactando as relações sociais. Diante disso, conclui-se que a pandemia prejudicou o cotidiano laboral e pessoal de trabalhadoras da saúde. Palavras-chave: Mulher; Pessoal da Saúde; Impacto Psicossocial.
Background
Community health workers (CHWs) involved in COVID-19 response might be at increased risk of stress, though evidence remains absent.
Objective
To assess the effects of COVID-19 related work on stress and identified factors associated with the risk of deteriorating to severe stress among CHWs in Vietnam.
Methods
Using a nation-wide survey among 979 CHWs involved in COVID-19 response, we applied multivariable logistic regression to estimate the risk of deteriorating to high stress levels between before the epidemic (average June–December 2019) and at its peak (January–March 2021). Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).
Results
Median stress levels among CHWs increased from 10 (IQR = 7–16) before COVID-19 to 15 (IQR = 11–19) on the PSS-10 during the COVID-19 outbreak. The proportion of CHWs with low stress levels decreased from 67.6% to 42.2% (p-value <0.001), while the proportion of CHWs with moderate and high stress levels increased 1.8 and 4.2-fold, respectively. Less sleep and poor sleep quality, working in unfavorable work environments, and being involved in daily high-risk SARS-CoV-2 exposure activities were associated with an increased risk of deterioration to high stress levels.
Conclusions
We found a substantial increase in stress levels among CHWs in Vietnam that is probably due to their COVID-19 related work; the observed 2 and 4-fold increase in CHWs suffering from moderate and high stress levels, respectively, is particularly worrisome. Targeted support for CHWs is crucial to ensure the sustainability of health interventions during COVID-19 and future epidemics.
The COVID 19 pandemic has had a great implication on the level of socio-economic and psychological status of survivors. Many forms of psychological disruptions have taken place among the COVID 19 survivors. This study, aattempts to understand the psychological problems faced by them and also analyse the level of resilience among survivors of COVID 19. The study recruited the (n = 21) COVID 19 survivors using snowball sampling. The study adopted Colizzi’s phenomological method of qualitative research design. The study results showed that the survivors of COVID 19 received very minimal social support, developed psychological distress and the level of self-resilience was found to be high. The study concludes that social workers working with COVID 19 should identify and promote healthy coping skills and self-resilience among COVID 19 survivors.
Objectives
This cohort study aimed to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) among healthcare workers at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Taiwan.
Methods
This study recruited 397 healthcare workers who completed health checkups before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The differences of MetS and its components prevalence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared using the paired samples t- tests for normally distributed variables, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for non-normally distributed variables.
Results
The prevalence of MetS among healthcare workers significantly increased from 20.9% to 28.7% during the pandemic (p < .001). Central obesity and hypertension were the primary contributors to the development of MetS.
Conclusions
COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increasing prevalence of MetS in healthcare workers, necessitating health-promoting measures to mitigate this risk.
Os impactos na saúde mental sobre os profissionais de saúde na linha de frente da COVID-19, gera a necessidade de conhecimento em diversas áreas, especialmente na saúde mental. Diante disso, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a saúde mental dos profissionais de saúde envolvidos na assistência da COVID-19. Trata-se de um estudo analítico, as variáveis coletadas foram distribuídas em dados de identificação dos profissionais abordados e, informações demográficas, econômicas, sociais e culturais. A maior prevalência de (61,15%) foi observada para idade início de trabalho. Evidenciou depressão em 71,57%, com significância estatística com p≤0,001; 69,64% apresentaram improvável ansiedade com forte significância estatística (p≤0,001); 78,99% foram de 0 a 3 pessoas por residência e 72,28% não apresentaram sinais de depressão; 74,55% apresentaram significância estatística para ansiedade (p=0,02). A ocorrência da gravidade de transtorno da ansiedade devido a pandemia da COVID-19 é variado, cuja autoestima é afetada, ocorrendo isolamento, dificuldade de convívio e concentração e fracasso.
Background
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected people psychologically worldwide, particularly healthcare personnel. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic situation has eased, healthcare personnel must still perform their duties, which has resulted in psychological impacts, particularly stress.
Objectives
This study aimed to examine the risk factors associated with stress among healthcare personnel post-COVID-19 pandemic in northeast Thailand.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytic design was conducted from January to April 2023. One thousand and three hundred healthcare workers were selected from primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals across 16 districts within Chaiyaphum province. The questionnaires were used to collect data, and the stress test 5 (ST-5) questionnaire was used to investigate stress among healthcare personnel.
Results
The overall stress rate for healthcare workers was 15.47%, including very severe (8.85%) and severe (6.62%). The factors associated with stress consisted of work position, environment of work, personal life such as education level and income, and responsibility for taking care of family members, in addition to experiencing quarantine from COVID-19 were more likely to have a high risk of stress problems among healthcare workers.
Conclusion
This result highlighted that the mental health of personnel should be in critical situations, and those found severely afflicted should undergo professional care. To prevent psychological issues, particularly stress, health organizations should be concerned with strong organizational management, which includes supporting bonuses and providing high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare staff.
Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese exercise (TCM), for reducing depression and anxiety in individuals suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods: Nineteen databases were searched from their inception through August 2024 to gather data for this study. The focus of this study was randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which Baduanjin was administered for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with depression and anxiety. The study included various types of Baduanjin exercise, whether used alone or in conjunction with other treatment modalities, for the control group. The comparators included a waitlist control, usual care, health education and supportive counseling, psychosocial support therapy, pharmacotherapies, and other common exercises. The exclusion criteria for trials were trials comparing different treatment durations, different treatment frequencies, and different types of Baduanjin exercise. Moreover, other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic methods applied in either the intervention or control group were also excluded. Throughout the entire study, the selection process, data extraction and quantitative analysis were carried out in strict adherence to all relevant guidelines. The Cochrane criteria for risk of bias were used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. In our review, a meta-analysis was performed using the software STATA MP14.
Results: After conducting a meta-analysis, eight RCTs were found to have satisfied the inclusion criteria. The effects of Baduanjin exercise on self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) scores were investigated in five RCTs comprising a total of 228 patients. Analysis of the results revealed that the combination of Baduanjin exercises and conventional therapies led to a statistically significant reduction in SAS scores [MD=-3.21 (95 % CI= − 3.64, − 2.79), P<0.001] compared to conventional therapies alone. Moreover, this systematic review explored the effect of Baduanjin exercise on self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores (three RCTs involving 83 participants), HamiltonAnxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) scores (one RCT involving 103 participants), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ- 9) scores (one RCT involving 70 participants) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores (one RCT
involving 59 participants) for patients with COVID-19. The results showed that, in addition to conventional
therapies, Baduanjin exercise had a more favorable impact on reducing the SDS score [mean difference (MD) =-2.86 (95 % CI=4.11, − 1.61), P=0.025], PHQ-9 score [MD=-5.31, 95 % CI=-8.73, − 1.89), P=0.002] and HAM-A score [MD=-3.00, 95 % CI=-5.33, − 0.67], P=0.010] in patients with COVID-19 than did the use of
conventional therapies alone. Furthermore, the combination of Baduanjin exercise and conventional therapies effectively decreased the number of patients who experienced severe or moderate anxiety according to the GAD- 7 score compared to that of patients who experienced severe or moderate anxiety according to conventional therapies alone [Relative Risk (RR) =0.03, 95 % CI=0.00, 0.51); P=0.020]. However, the included clinical trials lacked a detailed description of the randomization process, and only a small portion of the studies reported
proper allocation concealment procedures, which may introduce selection bias. Moreover, owing to the nature of Baduanjin exercise, it is difficult to blind participants and practitioners, which may lead to performance bias. Furthermore, the lack of blinding may lead to subjective influences of assessors on the results, thereby causing detection bias. These methodological shortcomings and potential biases should be addressed in future studies.
Conclusions: It is difficult to draw firm conclusions on whether Baduanjin exercise is an effective intervention for reducing depression and anxiety in COVID-19 patients because of the high risk of bias among the available RCTs. Further rigorous RCTs are warranted but need to overcome the methodological shortcomings of the existing evidence.
A BSTRACT
Background
Since the outbreak of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), general practitioners (GPs) have been working in the frontline under psychological and physical pressure. This study aims to evaluate the psychological health, career prospective, attitudes toward educational mode changes, and knowledge about COVID-19.
Methods
An online anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out on GP trainees and GPs from June 2022 to September 2022. The survey mainly consisted of four parts: 1) general information; 2) level of knowledge about COVID-19; 3) psychological and physical health impact; and 4) changes in professional perception.
Results
The total knowledge score of 43 GP trainees and 38 GPs was 334 and 283, respectively, without significant difference ( z = -0.839, P = 0.402). There was no statistical difference between the scores of GP trainees and GPs for each subindicator of mental and physical disorders. Eleven GP trainees and four GPs had severe psychological disorder subindexes. Severe somatization disorder subindexes were found in eight GP trainees and five GPs. Also, 67.44% of GP trainees and 52.63% of GPs had a positive attitude toward GP career. Moreover, 62.79% of GP trainees and 52.63% of GPs considered the epidemic had no impact on their professional cognition. Among GP trainees, 62.8% and 32.6% considered the epidemic had no or slight impact on their academic activities, respectively. Also, 53.5% and 44.2% of GP trainees partially and fully approved online teaching, respectively. The most popular forms were live and recorded courses.
Conclusions
COVID-19 pandemic had no noticeable impact on their physical and mental health and their attitude toward GP career.
Background
The occupational stress that contributes to the development of burnout syndrome remains one of the greatest scientific challenges. Despite years of research into burnout and its determinants, burnout continues to attract the attention of researchers, and healthcare workers (HCWs) continue to experience burnout in large numbers. Burnout has a significant impact on both the mental and physical well-being of HCWs and reduces patient-centered healthcare. This review aims to identify the factors affecting healthcare workers’ burnout (FAHCWB) and their conceptual models.
Methods
The review was conducted according to Arksey and O'Malley's framework using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, ProQuest, Sage, Science Direct, and EBSCO using the following keywords: healthcare professionals, burnout, and internal/external factors. Empirical, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-design research articles published in English with full-text access in peer-reviewed journals that investigated the FAHCWB were included. For an in-depth analysis of the included articles, the authors developed a data synthesis table, and thematic analysis was applied to the analysis.
Results
According to the inclusion criteria, 38 articles were selected for further data analysis. Six main themes were identified: (1) FAHCWB; (2) conceptual models of FAHCWB; (3) research tools for studying FAHCWB; (4) findings on FAHCWB in the context of different models; (5) differences between findings from different models; (6) what is known and not known about FAHCWB. The results of the review show that most researchers conduct research on factors affecting burnout (FAB) based on factors related to the work environment, with fewer studies based on individual factors, including personality factors. Most of the research is based on the model developed by Maslach et al. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) has been used in most studies
Conclusions
Despite years of research, burnout continues to evolve rapidly, indicating that scientific research needs to be re-focused. Research should be conducted using different conceptual models and new research tools that allow the syndrome to be studied from a multidimensional perspective, including both the work environment and individual factors.
Introducción:
La pandemia por la COVID-19 ha tenido efectos en la salud de los trabajadores sanitarios, dentro de ellos, los obstetras, pero se desconocen las consecuencias en este grupo ocupacional.
Objetivo:
Determinar las consecuencias de la COVID-19 en la salud física, psicológica y social de obstetras del Perú.
Métodos:
Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, realizado a 511 obstetras asistenciales, en la primera línea de atención. Se aplicó un cuestionario en línea, previamente validado y confiable para medir las variables: características generales y de exposición a la COVID-19, salud física, salud psicológica y salud social. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva.
Resultados:
468 (91,6 %) obstetras son mujeres, 287 (56,2 %) de 40-59 años, 213 (41,7 %) casadas, 292 (57,1 %) laborando en el primer nivel de atención; 216 (42,3 %) se infectaron de la COVID-19, 165 (32,3 %) tuvieron cefalea, 127 (24,9 %) dolor de garganta y 121 (23,7 %) fatiga; 167 (77,3 %) requirieron tratamiento ambulatorio y 3 (1,3 %) cuidados intensivos. La obesidad reportada por 102 (20,0 %) obstetras fue la principal comorbilidad, seguida de hipertensión con 38 (7,4 %) y diabetes con 14 (2,7 %); 263 (51,5 %) reportaron síntomas depresivos y 464 (90,8 %) estrés; 238 (46,6 %) sintieron discriminación y 118 (23,1 %) llevaban la carga laboral del hogar en solitario.
Conclusiones:
La salud física, psicológica y social de los obstetras se afecta por la pandemia; genera trastornos de sobrepeso/ obesidad, depresión, estrés; así como discriminación y sobrecarga laboral en el hogar.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic emerged in Wuhan, China, spread nationwide and then onto half a dozen other countries between December 2019 and early 2020. The implementation of unprecedented strict quarantine measures in China has kept a large number of people in isolation and affected many aspects of people’s lives. It has also triggered a wide variety of psychological problems, such as panic disorder, anxiety and depression. This study is the first nationwide large-scale survey of psychological distress in the general population of China during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to review articles related to the psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
Methods
Systematic literature searches of computerized databases were performed to identify articles on psychometric evaluation of the PSS.
Results
The search finally identified 19 articles. Internal consistency reliability, factorial validity, and hypothesis validity of the PSS were well reported. However, the test-retest reliability and criterion validity were relatively rarely evaluated. In general, the psychometric properties of the 10-item PSS were found to be superior to those of the 14-item PSS, while those of the 4-item scale fared the worst. The psychometric properties of the PSS have been evaluated empirically mostly using populations of college students or workers.
Conclusion
Overall, the PSS is an easy-to-use questionnaire with established acceptable psychometric properties. However, future studies should evaluate these psychometric properties in greater depth, and validate the scale using diverse populations.
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Toronto, which began on Mar. 7, 2003, resulted in extraordinary public health and infection control measures. We aimed to describe the psychological and occupational impact of this event within a large hospital in the first 4 weeks of the outbreak and the subsequent administrative and mental health response.
Two principal authors met with core team members and mental health care providers at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, to compile retrospectively descriptions of the experiences of staff and patients based on informal observation. All authors reviewed and analyzed the descriptions in an iterative process between Apr. 3 and Apr. 13, 2003.
In a 4-week period, 19 individuals developed SARS, including 11 health care workers. The hospital's response included establishing a leadership command team and a SARS isolation unit, implementing mental health support interventions for patients and staff, overcoming problems with logistics and communication, and overcoming resistance to directives. Patients with SARS reported fear, loneliness, boredom and anger, and they worried about the effects of quarantine and contagion on family members and friends. They experienced anxiety about fever and the effects of insomnia. Staff were adversely affected by fear of contagion and of infecting family, friends and colleagues. Caring for health care workers as patients and colleagues was emotionally difficult. Uncertainty and stigmatization were prominent themes for both staff and patients.
The hospital's response required clear communication, sensitivity to individual responses to stress, collaboration between disciplines, authoritative leadership and provision of relevant support. The emotional and behavioural reactions of patients and staff are understood to be a normal, adaptive response to stress in the face of an overwhelming event.
The sudden emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused international anxiety owing to its highly contagious and pandemic transmission. Health workers are vulnerable and are at high risk of infection.
To assess SARS-related stress and its immediate psychological impact and responses among health workers.
Health workers in a tertiary hospital affected by SARS were invited to complete a questionnaire designed to evaluate exposure experience, psychological impact and psychiatric morbidity. The risk and rates of psychiatric morbidity were estimated for exposure experience.
Altogether, 1257 health workers successfully completed the survey. In the initial phase of the outbreak, when the infection was spreading rapidly, feelings of extreme vulnerability, uncertainty and threat to life were perceived, dominated by somatic and cognitive symptoms of anxiety. During the 'repair' phase, when the infection was being brought under control, depression and avoidance were evident. The estimated prevalence of psychiatric morbidity measured by the Chinese Health Questionnaire was about 75%.
The outbreak of SARS could be regarded as an acute episode of a bio-disaster, leading to a significantly high rate of psychiatric morbidity.
To assess the immediate and sustained psychological health of health care workers who were at high risk of exposure during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak.
At the peak of the 2003 SARS outbreak, we assessed health care workers in 2 acute care Hong Kong general hospitals with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). One year later, we reassessed these health care workers with the PSS-10, the 21-Item Depression and Anxiety Scale (DASS-21), and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R). We recruited high-risk health care workers who practised respiratory medicine and compared them with nonrespiratory medicine workers, who formed the low-risk health care worker control group.
In 2003, high-risk health care workers had elevated stress levels (PSS-10 score = 17.0) that were not significantly different from levels in low-risk health care worker control subjects (PSS-10 score = 15.9). More high-risk health care workers reported fatigue, poor sleep, worry about health, and fear of social contact, despite their confidence in infection-control measures. By 2004, however, stress levels in the high-risk group were not only higher (PSS-10 score = 18.6) but also significantly higher than scores among low-risk health care worker control subjects (PSS-10 score = 14.8, P < 0.05). In 2004, the perceived stress levels in the high-risk group were associated with higher depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress scores (P < 0.001). Posttraumatic stress scores were a partial mediator of the relation between the high risk of exposure to SARS and higher perceived stress.
Health care workers who were at high risk of contracting SARS appear not only to have chronic stress but also higher levels of depression and anxiety. Front-line staff could benefit from stress management as part of preparation for future outbreaks.
目的： 新型冠状病毒肺炎在武汉暴发流行以来，已在全国范围内蔓延。对截至2020年2月11日中国内地报告所有病例的流行病学特征进行描述和分析。 方法： 选取截至2020年2月11日中国内地传染病报告信息系统中上报所有新型冠状病毒肺炎病例。分析包括：①患者特征；②病死率；③年龄分布和性别比例；④疾病传播的时空特点；⑤所有病例、湖北省以外病例和医务人员病例的流行病学曲线。 结果： 中国内地共报告72 314例病例，其中确诊病例44 672例（61.8%），疑似病例16 186例（22.4%），临床诊断病例10 567例（14.6%），无症状感染者889例（1.2%）。在确诊病例中，大多数年龄在30～79岁（86.6%），湖北省（74.7%），轻/中症病例为主（80.9%）。确诊病例中，死亡1 023例，粗病死率为2.3%。个案调查结果提示，疫情在2019年12月从湖北向外传播，截至2020年2月11日，全国31个省的1 386个县区受到了影响。流行曲线显示在1月23－26日达到峰值，并且观察到发病数下降趋势。截至2月11日，共有1 716名医务工作者感染，其中5人死亡，粗病死率为0.3%。 结论： 新型冠状病毒肺炎传播流行迅速，从首次报告病例日后30 d蔓延至31个省（区/市），疫情在1月24－26日达到首个流行峰，2月1日出现单日发病异常高值，而后逐渐下降。随着人们返回工作岗位，需积极应对可能出现的疫情反弹。.
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A study of psychometric properties, normative scores, and factor structure of the Beck Anxiety Inventory-the Chinese version
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A study of psychometric properties, normative scores, and factor structure of the Beck Anxiety Inventory-the Chinese version
- Cheng