Analysis of Psychological Trends and Policy Recommendations of Medical Staff in Northern China in the Latter Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Aim: Since the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, medical staff have faced greater psychological stress and are prone to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, as confirmed by several studies. This study further clarifies the psychological status of Chinese medical staff during the stable phase of the pandemic through a cross-sectional investigation in a large population sample in northern China.Methods: Subjects: Clinical frontline medical staff from seven hospitals in Liaoning Province were recruited from November 2020 to February 2021.Research Tools: The research tools used were the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and General Status Questionnaire.Statistical Analysis: SPSS 22.0, ANOVA variance analysis, and multiple logistics regression were used for statistical analysis. P-values of <0.05 indicated significant statistical differences.Results: A total of 3,144 medical staff completed the survey (599 men [19.1%] and 2,545 women [80.9%]; 1,020 doctors [32.4%] and 2,124 nurses [67.6%]). Among all subjects, the rates of anxiety and depression were 21.1% (663/3, 144) and 43.9% (1,381/3,144), respectively. Multiple logistic comparative analysis revealed that age (OR = 1.272, 95% CI = 1.036–1.561, P = 0.022), the need for psychological counseling (OR = 1.566, 95% CI = 1.339–1.830, P < 0.001), and the coexistence of depression (OR = 0.050, 95% CI = 0.038–0.066, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with anxiety. Coexisting anxiety was also associated with the occurrence of depression (OR = 0.050, 95% CI = 0.038–0.065, P < 0.001).Conclusions: In the later stages of the pandemic in China, the occurrence rates of anxiety and depression among medical staff remain high. In addition to age, there is little correlation between anxiety or depression and general factors such as gender and profession. As a special group, medical staff show different psychological changes at various times during a stressful event. Concerning for the psychological needs of medical staff and different psychologically oriented policy implementation are needed.

The mediating role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between coping styles and life satisfaction among frontline medical workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study

“…As mentioned above, the prevalence of anxiety among frontline medical workers during the pandemic in Zunyi was 22.57%, while the prevalence of depression was 18.29%, consistent with the literature. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 46 , 47 These negative emotions may be attributed to acute stress, such as the urgency of completing nucleic acid tests and concerns about personal safety. 48 The prevalence of anxiety and depression in Zunyi was lower than in other countries.…”

“…The authors thank Zai-Rong Wei and Xian-Mei Wang, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, for their support. This project is supported by the Doctoral Startup Fund of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University number: 2022 (7).…”

“…A meta‐analysis showed that the overall prevalence of depression and anxiety among healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic was 22.8% (ranging from 8.9% to 50.7%) and 23.2% (ranging from 10.4% to 44.7%), respectively 6 . Moreover, the incidence of anxiety and depression among medical workers remained high even in the later stages of the pandemic 7 . Anxiety and depression among medical workers affect their clinical work 8 and have lasting adverse effects on their physical and mental health 9–13 .…”

“… 6 Moreover, the incidence of anxiety and depression among medical workers remained high even in the later stages of the pandemic. 7 Anxiety and depression among medical workers affect their clinical work 8 and have lasting adverse effects on their physical and mental health. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 All the studies mentioned above were survey studies using a specific cutoff and did not involve patients with confirmed diagnoses.…”

The impact of nurses' sense of security on turnover intention during the normalization of COVID-19 epidemic: The mediating role of work engagement

“…According to the work characteristics of medical personnel, the sense of security of medical personnel consists of five components: work environment, patient, self-competence, organizational management, and social support ( 32 ). During the normalization of the COVID-19 epidemic, overload and nurse-patient conflicts also lead to a high incidence of anxiety and depression among nurses ( 33 , 34 ). These psychological risks may threaten the nurse's sense of security during this period ( 35 ), and the poor sense of security may increase the possibility of turnover.…”