Anxiety and Work Avoidance among Intensive Care Workers during an Influenza A/H1N1 Outbreak

Ha, Al Otair; Mh, Temsah; Al‐Eyadhy, Ayman; Alsubaie, Sarah; Mf, Azfar; Aa, Abdeldayem; Alrabiah, Alaa Mohammed; Alsohime, Fahad

doi:10.4172/2161-0711.1000515

Cited by 1 publication

(6 citation statements)

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“…14 This is supported by literature, with research findings emphasizing the importance of interventions to support RNs and help them manage their psychological distress during a pandemic. [6][7][8][9] Much has been documented regarding social support to decrease stress. [28][29][30] Of note were the GHQ scores in relation to the management status of nurses.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[2][3][4][5] Reflected in the literature for pandemic preparedness planning is the important role of healthcare workers: their ability, preparedness, duty, and willingness to work. [6][7][8][9] While all healthcare workers are essential, nurses have more direct patient contact and are considered frontline workers in any disease outbreak. 3,7 Working as a nurse on the frontline of an unfamiliar disease outbreak causes significant psychological distress.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…They also reported work avoidance behaviors. 6 A study by Khalid et al 8 found that healthcare workers experienced significant emotional distress when their colleagues became ill, after witnessing high mortality due to a lack of specific treatment for the disease, and uncertainty regarding outbreak control. In a study of a healthcare team during the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in Saudi Arabia, Alsubaie et al 7 found that the healthcare workers experienced significant psychological distress from the internal conflict between their duty to work and concern for their safety.…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Research on the effects of or preparation for a pandemic is usually hypothetical or derived from knowledge surrounding other disease outbreaks 2-5. Reflected in the literature for pandemic preparedness planning is the important role of healthcare workers: their ability, preparedness, duty, and willingness to work 6-9. While all healthcare workers are essential, nurses have more direct patient contact and are considered frontline workers in any disease outbreak 3,7…”

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confidence: 99%

“…In a study on the psychosocial effects (anxiety and worry) of influenza A (H1N1) on hospital staff, concerns regarding personal health, contracting the disease, and spreading the disease to family members caused significant distress to workers. They also reported work avoidance behaviors 6. A study by Khalid et al8 found that healthcare workers experienced significant emotional distress when their colleagues became ill, after witnessing high mortality due to a lack of specific treatment for the disease, and uncertainty regarding outbreak control.…”

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confidence: 99%

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The COVID-19 experience

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cial support. 14 This responsibility can cause emotional and physical stress, which may later impact the nurses' health, well-being, and relationships. 13 This study explores the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on RNs. Since nurses are a key resource in any disease outbreak, it is important to know and understand the psychological factors that affected nurses providing patient care during a pandemic. These effects could impact nurses' ability or willingness to work. Identifying these effects can assist healthcare systems in minimizing risks of psychological distress and increasing nurses' willingness to work. The findings of this study can also be used to inform and update nursing education programs on how to better prepare future nurses for disease outbreak situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Research designTo guide this project, the team looked to the Neuman Systems Model, as its focus involves stress factors that impact a person's health and well-being. 15 Drawing from several theories and disciplines, the model incorporates the General Systems Theory, Gestalt Theory, and de Chardin and Marx philosophies. 16 General Systems Theory postulates that a group of interconnected parts is influenced by each other and the environment. 17 Gestalt Theory proposes that the whole is greater and different from the sum of its parts. 18 The de Chardin and Marxist philosophies describe the whole- AbstractPurpose: To explore the psychological factors that impacted RNs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Survey response data were collected from 151 respondents across 25 states and various healthcare system settings. Results: RNs in clinical settings had slightly more emotional stress than those in academia. Concerns ranged from personal health and family considerations to large-scale sociopolitical issues. Conclusions: RNs in all settings experienced at least some emotional stress during the early stages of the pandemic. However, in a majority of respondents, none of the stressors individually or in combination were so great as to encourage departure from the profession.

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