Online survey to assess the psychological problems among the frontline healthcare workers during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic and their psychosocial determinants: an Indian perspective

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess and compare demographic and psychological factors and sleep status of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in relation to non-frontline HCWs.Design, settings, participants and outcomesThis cross-sectional study was conducted from 8 April 2020 to 17 April 2020 using an online survey across varied healthcare settings in Oman accruing 1139 HCWs.The primary and secondary outcomes were mental health status and sociodemographic data, respectively. Mental health status was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and insomnia was evaluated by the Insomnia Severity Index. Samples were categorised into the frontline and non-frontline groups. χ2 and t-tests were used to compare groups by demographic data. The Mantel-Haenszel OR was used to compare groups by mental health outcomes adjusted by all sociodemographic factors.ResultsThis study included 1139 HCWs working in Oman. While working during the pandemic period, a total of 368 (32.3%), 388 (34.1%), 271 (23.8%) and 211 (18.5%) respondents were reported to have depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia, respectively. HCWs in the frontline group were 1.5 times more likely to report anxiety (OR=1.557, p=0.004), stress (OR=1.506, p=0.016) and insomnia (OR=1.586, p=0.013) as compared with those in the non-frontline group. No significant differences in depression status were found between the frontline and non-frontline groups (p=0.201).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the differential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on different grades of HCWs. This study suggests that frontline HCWs are disproportionally affected compared to non-frontline HCWs, with managing sleep–wake cycles and anxiety symptoms being highly endorsed among frontline HCWs. As psychosocial interventions are likely to be constrained owing to the pandemic, mental healthcare must first be directed to frontline HCWs.

Download Full-text

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Telecounseling on the Psychological Problems of Frontline Healthcare Workers Amidst COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial from Central India

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1177/02537176211024537 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (4) ◽

pp. 343-350

Author(s):

Snehil Gupta ◽

Mohit Kumar ◽

Abhijit R. Rozatkar ◽

Devendra Basera ◽

Shashank Purwar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Education ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Time Effect ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Linear Mixed Effect Model ◽

Mixed Effect ◽

Significant Group ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers

Background: Preliminary reports suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, telecounseling could be an effective model of psychological intervention for the frontline healthcare workers (fHCW) with psychological problems. Literature is sparse in this area, particularly from low- and middle-income countries, including India. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and the effectiveness of telecounseling (vs. general education) on the psychological problems of the fHCW over three time-points (baseline vs. end-of-session and at two and four weeks after the intervention). Methods: The study followed a single-blind, active arm versus general education, parallel-group randomized control design, with participant allocation in 1:1. Active healthcare workers (HCWs) with mild- to-severe or clinically concerning scores on any of the sub-scales of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) or Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R; represented by higher scores) were included, while those with known psychiatric illness were excluded. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U test and linear-mixed effect model (group-, time, and group by time-effect) were used for analysis. Results: There were no baseline group differences (telecounseling group, active arm, n = 9; general education group, control arm, n = 10). A significant time-effect (P = 0.044 to <.001) was found on DASS-21 on intention-to-treat analysis. Per-protocol analysis, additionally, found a significant group effect on Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R; P = 0.036). A significant random effect of the participants was also found (P <.001). Conclusion: Telecounseling could be a feasible and scalable model of psychological interventions for the fHCW with psychological problems, albeit with some feasibility challenges.

Download Full-text

WILLINGNESS TO WORK AMONGST AUSTRALIAN FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS DURING AUSTRALIA’S FIRST WAVE OF COVID-19 COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION: RESULTS OF AN ONLINE SURVEY

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.288 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-24

Author(s):

Michella Hill ◽

Erin Smith ◽

Brennen Mills

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Public Health Emergencies ◽

Community Transmission ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽

Insight Into

Abstract Objectives The majority of research investigating healthcare workers’ (HCWs) willingness to work during public health emergencies asks participants to forecast their perceptions based on hypothetical emergencies, rather than in response to actual public health emergencies they have experienced. This research explored frontline HCWs willingness to work during Australia’s first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among frontline HCWs. Methods Participants (n=580) completed an online questionnaire regarding their willingness to work during the pandemic. Results Forty-two percent of participants reported being less willing to work during the pandemic compared to before. Availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), concern expressed by family members, and viral exposure were significant barriers. One-third of participants disagreed that some level of occupational risk for exposure to infectious disease was acceptable. One-quarter of participants had received communications from their workplace concerning obligations to work during COVID-19. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Australian frontline HCWs’ willingness to work. Scarcity of PPE and exposure to the virus were the most cited reasons impacting on willingness to work. Appropriate policies and practices should be implemented and communicated efficiently to frontline HCW’s. This research provides insight into the lived experiences of Australian healthcare professionals’ willingness to work during a pandemic.

Download Full-text

The COVID-19 Vaccine Is Here—Now Who Is Willing to Get It?

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9040339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 339

Author(s):

William D. S. Killgore ◽

Sara A. Cloonan ◽

Emily C. Taylor ◽

Natalie S. Dailey

Keyword(s):

Sex Education ◽

Political Ideology ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Education Level ◽

Race Ethnicity ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽

The U.S

The U.S. vaccine campaign against COVID-19 began in December 2020, but many individuals seem reluctant to get vaccinated. During the first week of the vaccination campaign, we collected data from 1017 individuals with an online survey to identify factors that were associated with willingness to get the vaccine once it is available. Most participants (55.3%) were willing to get the vaccine, although 46.2% also expressed some fear of the vaccine. Political ideology was by far the most consistent predictor of both willingness to be vaccinated and fear of the vaccine, followed by participant sex, education level, income, and race/ethnicity. Our findings suggest that, for the vaccine campaign to be broadly supported and successful, it will be important for frontline healthcare workers to discuss the role of inoculation for COVID-19 in a manner consistent with each individual patient’s political and sociological worldview.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of mental health problems in frontline healthcare workers after the first outbreak of COVID-19 in China: a cross-sectional study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-021-01743-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wen-Ping Guo ◽

Qing Min ◽

Wei-Wei Gu ◽

Liang Yu ◽

Xiao Xiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Problems ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Problems ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract Background More than 210,000 medical workers have fought against the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei in China since December 2019. However, the prevalence of mental health problems in frontline medical staff after fighting COVID-19 is still unknown. Methods Medical workers in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province were invited to participate a cross-sectional and convenience sampling online survey, which assessed the prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results A total of 1,091 responses (33% male and 67% female) were valid for statistical analysis. The prevalence was anxiety 53%, insomnia 79%, depression 56%, and PTSD 11%. Healthcare workers in Wuhan were more likely to face risks of anxiety (56% vs. 52%, P = 0.03) and PTSD (15% vs. 9%, P = 0.03) than those in other cities of Hubei. In terms of educational attainment, those with doctoral and masters’ (D/M) degrees may experience more anxiety (median of 7.0, [interquartile range (IQR) 2.0–8.5] vs. median 5.0 [IQR 5.0–8.0], P = 0.02) and PTSD (median 26.0 [IQR 19.5–33.0] vs. median 23.0 [IQR 19.0–31.0], P = 0.04) than those with lower educational degrees. Conclusions The mental problems were an important issue for the healthcare workers after COVID-19. Thus, an early intervention on such mental problems is necessary for healthcare workers.

Download Full-text

Occupational Disruptions during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with Healthcare Workers’ Mental Health

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179263 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9263

Author(s):

Natasha Smallwood ◽

Amy Pascoe ◽

Leila Karimi ◽

Marie Bismark ◽

Karen Willis

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Professional Associations ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽

Anxiety Depression

Background: The COVID-19 crisis has caused prolonged and extreme demands on healthcare services. This study investigates the types and prevalence of occupational disruptions, and associated symptoms of mental illness, among Australian frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A national cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 27 August and 23 October 2020. Frontline healthcare workers were invited to participate via dissemination from major health organisations, professional associations or colleges, universities, government contacts, and national media. Data were collected on demographics, home and work situations, and validated scales of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout. Results: Complete responses were received from 7846 healthcare workers (82.4%). Most respondents were female (80.9%) and resided in the Australian state of Victoria (85.2%). Changes to working conditions were common, with 48.5% reporting altered paid or unpaid hours, and many redeployed (16.8%) or changing work roles (27.3%). Nearly a third (30.8%) had experienced a reduction in household income during the pandemic. Symptoms of mental illness were common, being present in 62.1% of participants. Many respondents felt well supported by their workplaces (68.3%) and believed that workplace communication was timely and useful (74.4%). Participants who felt well supported by their organisation had approximately half the risk of experiencing moderate to severe anxiety, depression, burnout, and PTSD. Half (50.4%) of respondents indicated a need for additional training in using personal protective equipment and/or caring for patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: Occupational disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic occurred commonly in health organisations and were associated with worse mental health outcomes in the Australian health workforce. Feeling well supported was associated with significantly fewer adverse mental health outcomes. Crisis preparedness focusing on the provision of timely and useful communication and support is essential in current and future crises.

Download Full-text

Mental distress among frontline healthcare workers outside the central epidemic area during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China: A cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-26633/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

YAYUN LIU ◽

xinsheng liu ◽

bai gao ◽

chengzhong li ◽

XueSong Liang

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Shanxi Province ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

General Anxiety ◽

Initial Stage ◽

Epidemic Area ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract Background and aim:At the initial stage of the fight against COVID-19, a large number of medical staff and materials were dispatched to Wuhan City and Hubei Province to contain the outbreak quickly and effectively.The national infection prevention and control strategy posed a challenge to the physical and psychological resilience of frontline healthcare workers(HCWs) outside the central epidemic area.This study aims to survey frontline HCWs outside the central epidemic area in China to understand their levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression during the initial stage of the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: From February 11 to February14, 2020, an online survey was conducted in Jinzhong, Shanxi Province using snowball sampling techniques. The survey consisted of two parts, namely, demographic data and psychological screening. Demographic information included gender, age, hospital classification, working department, profession type, and working experience. Perceived stress was assessed by Chinese simple Perceived Stress Scale 10, general anxiety was assessed by the General Anxiety Disorder Scale, and depression was evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.Results: A total of 1,315 frontline HCWs were included,of which 646(49.1%) reported a moderate to severe stress(scores≥14), 141(10.7%) reported moderatetosevere anxiety (score≥10), and164(12.4%) reported a major depression (score≥10). Female gender was significantly associated with high levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression (P<0.05), and working time was negatively correlated with the level of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression (P<0.05). Statistical difference was observed in perceived stress score among different age groups, levels of hospital group,and working departments (P<0.05).Conclusion:During the initial stage of the fight against COVID-19in China, more than half of the frontline HCWs outside the central epidemic area rated perceived stress as moderatetosevere, and nearly 23% of them reported moderatetosevere anxiety or depression.Female gender, low hospital level, and emergency department were associated with a high level of perceived stress.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Spirituality on Resilience and Engagement During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Management Spirituality & Religion ◽

10.51327/naeu8792 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 400-424

Author(s):

Adeel Ahmed ◽

Ghulam Jan ◽

Waseem Barkat ◽

Riaz Ahmed ◽

Arshad Mahmood

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Safety Climate ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multiple Challenges ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Impact

This study focused on frontline healthcare workers’ engagement level, since they are confronting multiple challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak. It was significant to study how spirituality breeds resilience and engagement in prevailing critical scenarios. The study also investigates the significant role of psychosocial safety climate (PSC). A cross-sectional online survey of 233 healthcare professionals was collected in Pakistan. By using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), this study tests the research hypotheses. The findings suggest that spirituality plays an essential role in effecting resilience and engagement of healthcare workers. The resilience, in fact, mediates the effect of spirituality on work engagement. In addition, PSC proved to be a strong moderator in the relationship of spirituality and resilience. Implications and future recommendations are discussed.

Download Full-text

Adherence to Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Healthcare Personnel in the United States

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.12 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Oliver A. Darwish ◽

Ayushi Aggarwal ◽

Mehran Karvar ◽

Chenhao Ma ◽

Valentin Haug ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

South Carolina ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

The United States ◽

Healthcare Personnel ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Cdc Guidelines ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract Objectives: Protecting frontline healthcare workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical during the COVID pandemic. Through an online survey, we demonstrated variable adherence to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) PPE guidelines among health care personnel (HCP). Methods: CDC guidelines for optimal and acceptable PPE usage in common situations faced by frontline healthcare workers were referenced to create a short online survey. The survey was distributed to national, statewide, and local professional organizations across the United States and to HCP using a snowball sampling technique. Responses were collected between June 15 and July 17, 2020. Results: 2245 responses were received from doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, and medical technicians in 44 states. Eight states with n>20 (Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington) and a total of 436 responses are included in the quantitative analysis. Adherence to CDC guidelines was observed to be highest in the scenario of patient contact when COVID was not suspected (86.47%) and lowest when carrying out aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) (42.47%). Conclusions: Further research is urgently needed to identify the reasons underlying variability between professions and regions to pinpoint strategies for maximizing adherence and improving the safety of HCPs.

Download Full-text

Healthcare Workers' Resilience Mediates the Influence of Organizational Commitment and Anxiety Response to Viral Epidemic on Their Quality of Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.735016 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Hoon Sung Son ◽

Kyumin Kim ◽

Inn-Kyu Cho ◽

Joohee Lee ◽

Jung Mun Choi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Organizational Commitment ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Rating Scales ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

Anxiety Response

Objective: In the COVID-19 pandemic era, healthcare workers suffer from psychological problems such as anxiety in response to the viral epidemic and it may decrease their quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to explore the influence of healthcare workers' stress and anxiety response to the viral epidemic and their organizational commitment on their QoL. We also explored the mediating effect of resilience on any association.Methods: From January 28, 2021, to January 29, 2021, 389 workers responded to an online survey that included the rating scales Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 items (SAVE-9), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ), and the WHO-5 well-being index.Results: A better QoL (WHO well-being index top 25%) of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic era was predicted by low stress and anxiety in response to the viral epidemic [SAVE-9, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–0.97], a high level of resilience (BRS, aOR = 1.26, 95%CI 1.15–1.37), and high organizational commitment (OCQ, aOR = 1.04, 95%CI 1.02–1.07). Mediation analysis showed that resilience partially mediated the effects of stress/anxiety in response to the viral epidemic and the organizational commitment on the quality of life.Conclusion: We observed that the stress and anxiety of healthcare workers in response to the viral epidemic and organizational commitment influenced their QOL. Their resilience mediated the relationship between their psychological problems and QOL.

Download Full-text