Effects of a SARS prevention programme in Taiwan on nursing staff's anxiety, depression and sleep quality: A longitudinal survey

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep quality a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) nursing staff experienced before and after a SARS prevention program. The 116 subjects were recruited from nursing staff in the largest obligatory SARS designated treatment hospital in Taiwan. Using general estimating equations (GEE) statistical analysis to control possible for affecting factors, we found that the nursing staff's anxiety and depression along with sleep quality started to improve 2 weeks after the initiation of SARS prevention controls. From this research, we determined that nursing staff members were anxious, depressed, and they could not sleep well at the SARS outbreak. However, the systematic SARS prevention program improved these factors. When faced with these types of diseases, related international medical organizations should establish a comprehensive program to help medical professionals cope better.

Uniformed Service Nurses' Experiences with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Outbreak and Response in Taiwan

“…Because of the threat of SARS, many patients were afraid to go to the hospital, even for reasons other than SARS-like symptoms. This resulted in a 51.6% decrease in emergency room visits, 3 and a 19.9% to 52.5% decrease in the number of in-patients 4 in hospitals across the country. Community residents were opposed to establishing SARS-dedicated clinics and SARS-dedicated hospitals in their locales.…”

Instructive messages from Chinese nurses’ stories of caring for SARS patients

“…(2006), who found that 72% of 301 public health nurses responsible for epidemic control in Taiwan lacked confidence in their ability to handle SARS. Also in Taiwan, Chen et al. (2006) found that nursing staff in a SARS‐designated hospital experienced anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation, which subsided when an epidemic prevention plan, following World Health Organization guidelines, was implemented.…”

Post‐SARS knowledge sharing and professional commitment in the nursing profession

“…2005). These coping mechanisms were intended to alleviate anxiety and depression as well as improve the quality of sleep in nursing staff (Chen et al. 2006).…”