Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study in China

Abstract

BackgroundHealthcare workers fighting against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are under tremendous pressure, which puts them at an increased risk of developing psychological problems.AimsThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychological problems in different healthcare workers (ie, physicians, medical residents, nurses, technicians and public health professionals) during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and explore factors that are associated with the onset of psychological problems in this population during this public health crisis.MethodsA cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted in February 2020 among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological problems were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire and Insomnia Severity Index. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors that were associated with psychological problems.ResultsThe prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and the overall psychological problems in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China was 46.04%, 44.37%, 28.75% and 56.59%, respectively. The prevalence of the overall psychological problems in physicians, medical residents, nurses, technicians and public health professionals was 60.35%, 50.82%, 62.02%, 57.54% and 62.40%, respectively. Compared with healthcare workers who did not participate in front-line work, front-line healthcare workers had a higher risk of anxiety, insomnia and overall psychological problems. In addition, attention to negative or neutral information about the pandemic, receiving negative feedback from families and friends who joined front-line work, and unwillingness to join front-line work if given a free choice were three major factors for these psychological problems.ConclusionsPsychological problems are pervasive among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Receiving negative information and participating in front-line work appear to be important risk factors for psychological problems. The psychological health of different healthcare workers should be protected during the COVID-19 pandemic with timely interventions and proper information feedback.

The prevalence of sleep disturbances among physicians and nurses facing the COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The results of the analysis also showed that the prevalence of sleep disturbances in physicians is higher than nurses. Nevertheless, this was not consistent with most of the existing studies [16,25,26]. On the other hand, the results of the study by Wang et al (2020) [27] were consistent with our finding.…”

“…All collected pieces of research had used self-reporting questionnaires. The Sleep disturbances Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire was used in 3 studies [16,25,26], the other 3 studies used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire [27][28][29] and the Athens Sleep disturbances Scale (AIS) questionnaire was used in one study [24]. Further characteristics and information related to these studies are provided in Table 2.…”

“…Pro Quest Basic search In physicians: title/abstract ("medical staff" or "healthcare professionals" or "emergency medical technicians" or physicians) and title/abstract (covid-19 or "covid-19 pandemic" or "sars-cov-2 infection" or "coronavirus disease") and title/abstract ("sleep wake disorder" OR "sleep disorder" or sleep OR "Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders" OR insomnia OR DIMS OR "sleep quality" OR "sleep hygiene") 26.06.2020 37…”

Post COVID-19 pandemic mental health challenges

“…Psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression, insomnia are prevalent in up to 60 % among physicians, nurses and medical residents during Covid-19 pandemic ( Que et al;, 2020 ), which are likely to persist for several years. HCP who worked in respiratory medicine during the SARS outbreak in 2003 had persistent and significantly greater level of psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms a year later ( McAlonan et al, 2007 ).…”

Mental health of healthcare workers during early phase of COVID19: Variable performance on different factors of stress

“…However, apart from doctors, people working in healthcare facilities such as nurses, ward staff, cleaning staff, porters, and administrative staff are also variably vulnerable 23 and might face mental health problems. People working in certain specialties such as a respiratory ward, infectious diseases ward or critical care ward are subject to greater risk and might be under greater stress.…”