scholarly journals Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Status and Factors Influencing Negative Mental Health among Health-Care Workers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Fatma AlGhufli ◽  
Rayyan AlMulla ◽  
Ola Alyedi ◽  
Sham Zain AlAbdin ◽  
Mohammed Moutaz Nakhal
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Impact

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychological health outcomes and associated factors among health-care workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 pandemic. <b><i>Subject and Methods:</i></b> This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 550 HCWs at 4 different clinics (fever, clean, telemedicine, and mixed clinics) in Dubai Health Authority from July 2020 to September 2020. Severity of depression, anxiety, and stress was examined by calculating the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) for each subscale, while insomnia was determined by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score. Factors associated with psychological symptoms were identified by univariate (ANOVA and independent <i>t</i> test), and independent factors were detected by multivariate linear regression analysis after controlling other variables. <i>p</i> value of &#x3c;0.05 was considered with significant results. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 400 participants completed the survey. Majority of them were females (84.5%, <i>n</i> = 338) and aged between 18 and 31 (53.5%, <i>n</i> = 214). About 76.5% (<i>n</i> = 306) reported symptoms of depression, 315 (78.8%) anxiety, 254 (63.5%) stress-based, and 187 (46.8%) suffered from clinical insomnia. Frontline HCWs at fever clinic were at higher risk of developing burnout symptoms (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Furthermore, being younger, nonmarried, and nurse had no kids and changed accommodation during the crisis; all together were at higher risk of developing burnout symptoms (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). Adjusted linear regression showed that age was the major independent factor affecting DASS-21 subscales without affecting the level of insomnia (&#x3c;0.01). In addition, being worried about the family and loved ones independently influenced higher levels of depression and anxiety-based (&#x3c;0.001). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This study revealed that COVID-19 outbreak has a significant psychological impact on frontline HCWs and the most vulnerable groups to psychological distress. Efficient support and interventions are needed to protect HCWs from being infected and promote their well-being.

scholarly journals COVID-19 is having a destructive impact on health-care workers’ mental well-being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Vanhaecht ◽  
Deborah Seys ◽  
Luk Bruyneel ◽  
Bianca Cox ◽  
Gorik Kaesemans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Sources Of Support ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may aggravate workplace conditions that impact health-care workers’ mental health. However, it can also place other stresses on workers outside of their work. This study determines the effect of COVID-19 on symptoms of negative and positive mental health and the workforce’s experience with various sources of support. Effect modification by demographic variables was also studied. Methods A cross-sectional survey study, conducted between 2 April and 4 May 2020 (two waves), led to a convenience sample of 4509 health-care workers in Flanders (Belgium), including paramedics (40.6%), nurses (33.4%), doctors (13.4%) and management staff (12.2%). About three in four were employed in university and acute hospitals (29.6%), primary care practices (25.7%), residential care centers (21.3%) or care sites for disabled and mental health care. In each of the two waves, participants were asked how frequently (on a scale of 0–10) they experienced positive and negative mental health symptoms during normal circumstances and during last week, referred to as before and during COVID-19, respectively. These symptoms were stress, hypervigilance, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, unable to relax, fear, irregular lifestyle, flashback, difficulty concentrating, feeling unhappy and dejected, failing to recognize their own emotional response, doubting knowledge and skills and feeling uncomfortable within the team. Associations between COVID-19 and mental health symptoms were estimated by cumulative logit models and reported as odds ratios. The needed support was our secondary outcome and was reported as the degree to which health-care workers relied on sources of support and how they experienced them. Results All symptoms were significantly more pronounced during versus before COVID-19. For hypervigilance, there was a 12-fold odds (odds ratio 12.24, 95% confidence interval 11.11–13.49) during versus before COVID-19. Positive professional symptoms such as the feeling that one can make a difference were less frequently experienced. The association between COVID-19 and mental health was generally strongest for the age group 30–49 years, females, nurses and residential care centers. Health-care workers reported to rely on support from relatives and peers. A considerable proportion, respectively, 18 and 27%, reported the need for professional guidance from psychologists and more support from their leadership. Conclusions The toll of the crisis has been heavy on health-care workers. Those who carry leadership positions at an organizational or system level should take this opportunity to develop targeted strategies to mitigate key stressors of health-care workers’ mental well-being.

scholarly journals Health Care Workers’ Mental Health During the First Weeks of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Switzerland – A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Weilenmann ◽  
Jutta Ernst ◽  
Heidi Petry ◽  
Monique C. Pfaltz ◽  
Onur Sazpinar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perceived Support ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Anxiety Depression

AbstractBackgroundThe current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses various challenges for health care workers (HCWs), which may impair their mental health. First evidence from China suggests that HCWs are at risk for anxiety and depression. However, generalizability to western countries is limited. The current study aimed at exploring HCWs’ mental health during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Switzerland. In addition, we conducted a network analysis to investigate the independent effect of risk and protective factors on HCWs’ mental health and their interplay.MethodsIn an exploratory, cross-sectional, nation-wide online survey, we assessed demographics, work characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, and anxiety, depression, and burnout in 857 physicians and 553 nurses during the pandemic in Switzerland. At the time of data collection, Switzerland had among the highest per capita rate of COVID-19 cases in the world.ResultsOverall symptom levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout were elevated. Women, nurses, frontline staff and HCWs exposed to COVID-19 patients reported more symptoms than their peers. However, these effects were all small and, in the network analysis, most of them did not remain significant after controlling for the other factors. Whereas COVID-19 exposure was only partially associated with mental health, perceived support by the employer independently predicted anxiety and burnout.ConclusionsOur finding that HCWs had elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout underscores the importance to systematically monitor HCWs’ mental health during this ongoing pandemic. Because perceived support and mental health impairments were negatively related, we encourage the implementation of supportive measures for HCWs’ well-being during this crisis.

scholarly journals Advancing Mental Health and Psychological Support for Health Care Workers Using Digital Technologies and Platforms (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiancheng Ye
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Care Workers

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health crisis that has not only endangered the lives of patients but also resulted in increased psychological issues among medical professionals, especially frontline health care workers. As the crisis caused by the pandemic shifts from acute to protracted, attention should be paid to the devastating impacts on health care workers’ mental health and social well-being. Digital technologies are being harnessed to support the responses to the pandemic, which provide opportunities to advance mental health and psychological support for health care workers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to develop a framework to describe and organize the psychological and mental health issues that health care workers are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the framework, this study also proposes interventions from digital health perspectives that health care workers can leverage during and after the pandemic. METHODS The psychological problems and mental health issues that health care workers have encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic were reviewed and analyzed based on the proposed MEET (Mental Health, Environment, Event, and Technology) framework, which also demonstrated the interactions among mental health, digital interventions, and social support. RESULTS Health care workers are facing increased risk of experiencing mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including burnout, fear, worry, distress, pressure, anxiety, and depression. These negative emotional stressors may cause psychological problems for health care workers and affect their physical and mental health. Digital technologies and platforms are playing pivotal roles in mitigating psychological issues and providing effective support. The proposed framework enabled a better understanding of how to mitigate the psychological effects during the pandemic, recover from associated experiences, and provide comprehensive institutional and societal infrastructures for the well-being of health care workers. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges due to its prolonged uncertainty, immediate threat to patient safety, and evolving professional demands. It is urgent to protect the mental health and strengthen the psychological resilience of health care workers. Given that the pandemic is expected to exist for a long time, caring for mental health has become a “new normal” that needs a strengthened multisector collaboration to facilitate support and reduce health disparities. The proposed MEET framework could provide structured guidelines for further studies on how technology interacts with mental and psychological health for different populations.

Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Health Care Workers in Earthquake-Affected Areas in Southwest China

2010 ◽  
Vol 106 (2) ◽  
pp. 555-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wang ◽  
Jianxin Zhang ◽  
Mingjie Zhou ◽  
Zhanbiao Shi ◽  
Ping Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Impact

The symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and associated risk factors were investigated among health care workers in earthquake-affected areas in southwest China. 343 health care workers completed the Chinese version of the Impact of Event Scale–Revised 3 mo. after the Wenchuan Earthquake. The prevalence of probable PTSD was 19%. The significant risk factors identified for PTSD severity included being female, being bereaved, being injured, and higher intensity of initial fear. These findings suggest that PTSD is a common mental health problem among health care workers in earthquake-affected areas. The present information can be useful in directing, strengthening, and evaluating disaster-related mental health needs and interventions after an earthquake.

scholarly journals The impact of night work on subjective reports of well-being: an exploratory study of health care workers from five nations

2004 ◽  
Vol 38 (suppl) ◽  
pp. 26-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald I Tepas ◽  
Janet L Barnes-Farrell ◽  
Natalia Bobko ◽  
Frida M Fischer ◽  
Irena Iskra-Golec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Night Work ◽  
Work Schedule ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Worker Perceptions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Subjective Reports

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a survey data collection from health care workers in Brazil, Croatia, Poland, Ukraine and the USA with two primary goals: (1) to provide information about which aspects of well-being are most likely to need attention when shiftwork management solutions are being developed, and (2) to explore whether nations are likely to differ with respect to the impacts of night work on the well-being of workers involved in health care work. METHODS: The respondents from each nation were sorted into night worker and non-night worker groups. Worker perceptions of being physically tired, mentally tired, and tense at the end of the workday were examined. Subjective reports of perceived felt age were also studied. For each of these four dependent variables, an ANCOVA analysis was carried out. Hours worked per week, stability of weekly work schedule, and chronological age were the covariates for these analyses. RESULTS: The results clearly support the general proposal that nations differ significantly in worker perceptions of well-being. In addition, perceptions of physical and mental tiredness at the end of the workday were higher for night workers. For the perception of being physically tired at the end of a workday, the manner and degree to which the night shift impacts the workers varies by nation. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is needed to determine if the nation and work schedule differences observed are related to differences in job tasks, work schedule structure, off-the-job variables, and/or other worker demographic variables.

scholarly journals Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Care Workers: A Cross Sectional Study

BioMedica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2S) ◽  
pp. 223-227
Author(s):  
Zaina Jabeen ◽  
Aysha Rani ◽  
Sohaib Ahmed ◽  
Sadaf Ghaffar ◽  
Tazaeen Hina Kazmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ethical Review ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Impact

<p><strong>Background and Objective</strong>: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected more than four million people in 213 countries. Health care workers (HCWs) who deal with COVID-19 patients have a high chance of getting infected. They have got valid concerns regarding their own health as well as the impact it can have on the wellbeing of their family and acquaintances. The current study aims to assess the prevalence of psychological problems among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. <strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs of Wah Medical College and Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Hospital Wah Cantt from 1st May 2020 to 7th May 2020 after an ethical approval by ethical review board. A total of 340 HCWs participated by filling an online questionairre; questions on demographic profile and validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale&ndash;21 (DASS-21) score were included. Frequency of depression, anxiety and stress and mean DASS-21 scores between house officers and all other healthcare workers and between Medicine and allied department and other departments was assessed. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)-23. P-value &le; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <strong>Results:</strong> Among 340 HCWs majority i.e. 66.8% were less than 35 years of age and the mean age of participants was 40.65 &plusmn; 11.64 years. There was a female proponderance with a F:M ratio of 1.7:1. Most (55.3%) of the participants were single and there was a high percentage of house officers with 45% among all. The overall prevalence of depressiom, anxiety and stress among all HCWs was 32.9%, 25% and 23.5% respectively. The depression, anxiety and stress among house officers than other HCWs and higher prevalence in Medicine and Allied Departments than other departments. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> As the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, it is important not to underestimate the psychological impact of this pandemic on HCWs. Interventions and support to especially vulnerable groups of HCWs will help improve psychological health, which in turn will help improve the quality of patient care.</p>

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of the General Population, Students, and Health Care Workers: A Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Sankhi ◽  
Nirmal Raj Marasine
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Psychological Reactions ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Impact

Background: The COVID-19 among humans is spreading heavily and is largely impacting the mental health of the general population, students, and health care workers worldwide. Hence, this review aims to summarize the literatures addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the general population, students, and health care workers. Methods: Published articles concerning mental health of the general population, students, and health care workers related to the COVID-19 outbreak have been considered and reviewed. Results and Discussion: Mental health symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression are common psychological reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population, students, and health care workers. This collectively influences daily behavior, economy, prevention strategies and decision making from policy makers and health organizations, weakening the strategies of COVID-19 control leading to more morbidity and mental health needs at the global level. Conclusion: There is a need for more evidence-based research from other affected countries, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents, people of lower socioeconomic status, and those residing in rural areas, so that valid strategies can be developed and COVID-19 and outbreaks of similar types in the near future can be prevented.

scholarly journals Belief in a COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory as a Predictor of Mental Health and Well-Being of Health Care Workers in Ecuador: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Chen ◽  
Stephen X Zhang ◽  
Asghar Afshar Jahanshahi ◽  
Aldo Alvarez-Risco ◽  
Huiyang Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health And Well Being

BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, social media platforms have become active sites for the dissemination of conspiracy theories that provide alternative explanations of the cause of the pandemic, such as secret plots by powerful and malicious groups. However, the association of individuals’ beliefs in conspiracy theories about COVID-19 with mental health and well-being issues has not been investigated. This association creates an assessable channel to identify and provide assistance to people with mental health and well-being issues during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to provide the first evidence that belief in conspiracy theories regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is a predictor of the mental health and well-being of health care workers. METHODS We conducted a survey of 252 health care workers in Ecuador from April 10 to May 2, 2020. We analyzed the data regarding distress and anxiety caseness with logistic regression and the data regarding life and job satisfaction with linear regression. RESULTS Among the 252 sampled health care workers in Ecuador, 61 (24.2%) believed that the virus was developed intentionally in a lab; 82 (32.5%) experienced psychological distress, and 71 (28.2%) had anxiety disorder. Compared to health care workers who were not sure where the virus originated, those who believed the virus was developed intentionally in a lab were more likely to report psychological distress and anxiety disorder and to have lower levels of job satisfaction and life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS This paper identifies belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories as an important predictor of distress, anxiety, and job and life satisfaction among health care workers. This finding will enable mental health services to better target and provide help to mentally vulnerable health care workers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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