Exploring the factors associated with the mental health of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cyprus

Abstract

Introduction The spread of COVID-19 into a global pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of frontline healthcare-workers. This study is a multi-centre, cross-sectional epidemiological study that uses nationwide data to assess the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout among health care workers managing COVID-19 patients in Cyprus. The study also investigates the mechanism behind the manifestation of these pathologies, as to allow for the design of more effective protective measures. Methods Data on the mental health status of the healthcare workers were collected from healthcare professionals from all over the nation, who worked directly with Covid patients. This was done via the use of 64-item, self-administered questionnaire, which was comprised of the DASS21 questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a number of original questions. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with each of the mental health measures. Results The sample population was comprised of 381 healthcare professionals, out of which 72.7% were nursing staff, 12.9% were medical doctors and 14.4% belonged to other occupations. The prevalence of anxiety, stress and depression among the sample population were 28.6%, 18.11% and 15% respectively. The prevalence of burnout was 12.3%. This was in parallel with several changes in the lives of the healthcare professionals, including; working longer hours, spending time in isolation and being separated from family. Discussion This study indicates that the mental health of a significant portion of the nation’s workforce is compromised and, therefore, highlights the need for an urgent intervention particularly since many countries, including Cyprus, are suffering a second wave of the pandemic. The identified risk factors should offer guidance for employers aiming to protect their frontline healthcare workers from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of hospital staff: An umbrella review of 44 meta-analyses

“…As a result, people's physical and mental health is being tested, especially for hospital staff who are close to the patients and burdened with caring for and tackling the COVID-19 disease ( Greenberg et al, 2020 ; Salazar de Pablo et al, 2020 ). A combination of occupational and non-occupational risk factors such as insecurity, confinement measures, extensive media coverage, fear of contamination and workload under extreme pressure have profound adverse effects on the mental health of hospital staff ( Greenberg et al, 2020 ; Kapetanos et al, 2021 ; Saeed et al, 2021 ). Doctors and nurses have been hardest hit as they are at the epicenter of the pandemic and constantly providing healthcare services ( Greenberg et al, 2020 ; Lima et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Indeed, several surveys have shown increased rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health issues in this high-risk population ( Alnazly et al, 2021 , Aly et al, 2021 , Jahrami et al, 2021a , Jahrami et al, 2021b , Kapetanos et al, 2021 , Salari et al, 2020a , Salari et al, 2020b ). In addition, growing evidence showed that hospital staff needed frequent and regular screening for such mental health symptoms and consistent support for them ( Brooks et al, 2019 ; Greenberg et al, 2020 ) in outbreak emergencies ( Chong et al, 2004 ; Lee et al, 2018 ; Zhao et al, 2021 ).…”

Exploring the Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Healthcare Shift Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Studies on working hours among healthcare workers during the pandemic have shown that those working longer hours had alarming burnout and stress scores. In addition, longer hours are associated with prolonged contact with patients or samples, prolonged time of wearing PPE, sleep deprivation, and poor eating habits [ 3 , 7 , 8 ]. These psychological effects among healthcare workers can be exacerbated by multiple risk factors such as gender, medical condition, financial status, and occupational differences.…”

Transformational Leadership and Psychological Well-Being of Service-Oriented Staff: Hybrid Data Synthesis Technique

“…This positively changes followers' trust, values, and perceptions, leading to higher levels of performance and motivation. Transformational leadership has four components: (1) idealized influence occurs when transformational leaders try to gain followers' respect and trust by being a role model and following high ethical standards in the workplace; (2) inspirational motivation relates to the frequency with which transformational leaders motivate followers by providing values and a vision about the goals to be accomplished; (3) intellectual stimulation relates to the frequency with which transformational leaders encourage followers to think outside the box, and enhance their creativity and autonomy; and (4) individualized consideration relates to the frequency with which transformational leaders show their concern and support for followers' needs by genuinely listening to followers' aspirations and difficulties within and even outside the workplace. Given that transformational leaders demonstrate positive behaviors that stimulate intellectual capacity, cultivate relationships, and encourage competence and skills development, followers' attitudes toward their leader and their work, in addition to their personal motivation in executing their assigned tasks, tend to be positively affected.…”

“…Chefs cook high-quality and delicious meals and waiters courteously serve the dishes to customers. Healthcare workers provide assistance to patients and/or people with medical conditions and respond quickly during emergency situations [1][2][3][4]. These occupations generally require a great deal of interaction with clients, customers, or patients in order to satisfy the requirements of the services.…”