Occupational stress in healthcare workers during a COVID-19 pandemic

Healthcare workers experience overwhelming occupational and psycho-emotional stress during COVID-19 pandemic. Occupational stress leads to emotional burnout, can cause anxiety, depression and other psychopathological symptoms, influencing the quality of medical care. Existing situation necessitates to define risk factors, influencing occupational stress in healthcare workers in order to develop ways and methods to overcome it. Aim of the study was to identify socio-psychological factors associated with occupational stress in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 epidemic in Ukraine. Using a specially designed questionnaire, an online survey of 1,100 medical workers was conducted in all regions of Ukraine. Questioning was carried out over three weeks from 30.03.2020 to 21.04.2020, during the period of quarantine. The majority of respondents were female medical workers (79.9%). Age of respondents: up to 30 years – 179 (16.2%), from 31 to 60 – 824 (75.0%), over 60 – 97 (8.8%), among them doctors – 695 (63.1%) 236 nurses (21.5%), more than a third are general practitioners. Direct care for patients with COVID-19 was provided by 170 (15.5%) medical personnel. The analysis of the results of the questionnaire enabled to determine the peculiarities of medical worker`s response to the situation in connection with COVID-19 and highlight the emotional and behavioral factors associated with stress that are significant for most respondents. The study answered the questions regarding the perceived risk associated with the spread, contamination and death related to coronavirus. The most significant factors affecting the occurrence of stress in medical workers are identified. Along with this, factors contributing to stress coping have been identified as well. For subsequent statistical processing, all respondents were divided into two groups depending on the severity of the anxiety/fear. Comparison of these groups by socio-demographic indicators was done using the test χ2. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in all socio-demographic indicators, except for age. That is, only the age factor affected the severity of anxiety/fear among healthcare workers due to COVID-19 (p<0.05). Comparative analysis to assess the severity of stress in groups was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Healthcare workers with severe anxiety/fear have a high risk for development of occupational stress during a COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.01). In conclusion, the need for the development and implementation of methods for the prevention of occupational stress in medical workers in the current epidemic situation is substantiated.

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The incidence and management of workplace violence among medical professionals in the United States: A methodological pilot study

Journal of Hospital Administration ◽

10.5430/jha.v8n1p56 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 56

Author(s):

Ashleigh Chinelo Oguagha ◽

Jing Chen

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Workplace Violence ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Sector ◽

Medical Personnel ◽

The United States ◽

Medical Professionals ◽

Psychological Violence ◽

Physical And Psychological Violence

This study aimed to investigate workplace violence (WPV) experienced by medical professionals in the United States as well as individual and managerial actions following violent episodes and further, predict estimators of WPV. A modified version of the Workplace Violence in the Health Sector: Country Case Studies Research Instruments Survey Questionnaire was used to assess the incidence and management of workplace violence experienced by healthcare workers. Medical personnel from two social aggregation websites were recruited to participate in an online survey. 226 valid questionnaires were received. 48.5\% and 76.1\% of respondents, respectively, experienced physical and psychological violence in the past year. Risk factors for violence included occupation, patient population, ethnicity, and higher levels of anxiety regarding violence in hospitals. Overall, 17.7\% of reported incidents were investigated, 52.4\% of cases saw no consequences meted out to perpetrators and 51.7\% of victims suffered from negative emotions or aftereffects following a violent episode. Only 30.1\% of victims formally reported their experience with violence. The prevalence of violence was high and medical professionals were negatively affected by violence; however, formal reporting of episodes was low and measures combating violence were inadequate. Harsher penalties for perpetrators of violence are needed and hospitals need to implement guidelines that track the management of violence.

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Acceptability of a COVID-19 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.644300 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Ameerah M. N. Qattan ◽

Noor Alshareef ◽

Omar Alsharqi ◽

Naseem Al Rahahleh ◽

Gowokani Chijere Chirwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Health Related

Objective: This study aims to determine the acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia and the factors affecting their intention to accept the vaccine.Methods: The study used data from an online cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 8 December 2020 and 14 December 2020. This study employed bivariate and multivariable regression analyses. The bivariate was used to describe and tabulate the frequency of all the variables, including the sociodemographic characteristics, the risk perception and the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination and a chi-squared test of independence was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine and identify the factors associated with an intention to have the COVID-19 vaccination and the factors associated with its immediate acceptance.Results: Of the total of 736 healthcare workers who began the online questionnaire, 673 completed it (a 91.44% completion rate). Among the study participants, 50.52% were willing to have the COVID-19 vaccine, of which 49.71% intended to have the vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the country, while 50.29% would delay until the vaccine's safety is confirmed. Being a male healthcare worker, perceiving a high risk of infection, and believing that the COVID-19 vaccine should be compulsory for all citizens and residents in the country increased the probability of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and the probability of accepting the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.Conclusion: This study calls for more health-related education among healthcare workers to alleviate any fears that might be associated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/57pwf ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽

Miriam S. Johnson ◽

Sara Ebling ◽

Ole Myklebust Amundsen ◽

Øyvind Halsøy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Adult Population ◽

Age Groups ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Natural Immunity ◽

Factors Associated

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: The present study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyses and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy. Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance towards vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials’ dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

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Spirituality and other factors associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance amongst Healthcare Workers in Cameroon

10.21203/rs.3.rs-712354/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Neh Chang Ngasa ◽

Stewart Ndutard Ngasa ◽

Leticia Armelle Sani Tchouda ◽

Eugénie Tanisso ◽

Christabel Abanda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Microsoft Excel ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccine Acceptance ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Negative Perceptions

Abstract Background: The production of the different COVID-19 vaccines has offered hope towards controlling the pandemic. Many governments around the world have been able to secure the number of doses required for the vaccination of their entire population. In Cameroon, the government’s strategy has been to secure the number of doses required to vaccinate frontline workers and other population at risk. A threat to this strategy could be vaccine hesitancy as demonstrated in previous studies. In this article we discussed the influence of spirituality on vaccine acceptance. We also examined other factors associated with vaccine acceptance amongst healthcare workers in Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey of healthcare workers in Cameroon. Data was collected using Surveysparrow and then computed into Microsoft Excel. All analysis were done using Stata 14. Results: A total number of 371 healthcare workers took part in the survey and 45.38% indicated willingness to accept the vaccine if offered. The most common reason advanced for non-acceptance of the vaccine was negative perceptions about the efficacy of the vaccines. Independent factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance following a multivariate logistic regression included: being married (AOR 1.13, p< 0.01), presence of comorbidity (AOR:2.10, p<0.02), participants who had direct contact with covid patients (AOR: 3.34, p<0.01). Spirituality level was not independently associated with vaccine acceptance (AOR: 1.12, p<0.63). Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance amongst healthcare workers in Cameroon is low. This is likely to reduce the vaccine uptake amongst healthcare workers. HCWs are in the best position to influence the uptake of these vaccines by the general population, therefore educating healthcare workers on the efficacy of these vaccines might improve their acceptance.

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Relationship between stress and alexithymia, emotional processing and negative/positive affect in medical staff working amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Journal of Investigative Medicine ◽

10.1136/jim-2021-001942 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. jim-2021-001942

Author(s):

Katarzyna Warchoł-Biedermann ◽

Paweł Bugajski ◽

Łukasz Budzicz ◽

Michał Ziarko ◽

Aleksandra Jasielska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Positive Affect ◽

Path Analysis ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Emotional Processing ◽

Virus Transmission ◽

Medical Personnel ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Burden ◽

The Relationship

The psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic may have a lasting effect on emotional well-being of healthcare workers. Medical personnel working at the time of the pandemic may experience elevated occupational stress due to the uncontrollability of the virus, high perceived risk of infection, poor understanding of the novel virus transmission routes and unavailability of effective antiviral agents. This study used path analysis to analyze the relationship between stress and alexithymia, emotional processing and negative/positive affect in healthcare workers. The sample included 167 nurses, 65 physicians and 53 paramedics. Sixty-two (21.75 %) respondents worked in COVID-19-designated hospitals. Respondents were administered the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale, Emotional Processing Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. The model showed excellent fit indices (χ2 (2)=2.642, p=0.267; CFI=0.999, RMSEA=0.034, SRMR=0.015). Multiple group path analysis demonstrated physicians differed from nurses and paramedics at the model level (X2diff (7)=14.155, p<0.05 and X2diff (7)=18.642, p<0.01, respectively). The relationship between alexithymia and emotional processing was stronger in nurses than in physicians (difference in beta=0.27; p<0.05). Individual path χ2 tests also revealed significantly different paths across these groups. The results of the study may be used to develop evidence-based intervention programs promoting healthcare workers’ mental health and well-being.

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A Retrospective Survey among SARS-CoV-1 Infected Healthcare Workers after Three Years Post-Infection

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10091078 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1078

Author(s):

Szu-Wei Huang ◽

Aspiro Nayim Urbina ◽

Yi-Ming Arthur Chen ◽

Sheng-Fan Wang

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Post Infection ◽

Neutralizing Antibodies ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Retrospective Survey ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Neutralization Ability

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontline fighting several infectious diseases including SARS-CoV-1 and COVID-19. Coronavirus neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) were recently reported to last for a certain period. The factors affecting nAbs’ existence remain unclear. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the factors correlating with nAbs’ from SARS-CoV-1 long-term convalescence HCWs in Taiwan. One hundred and thirty SARS-CoV-1 convalescent patients were recruited between August 2006 and March 2007. Blood samples were collected to determine the anti-nucleocapsid (N) and anti-spike (S) antibodies’ existence status and neutralization ability. Neutralization ability was measured using SARS-CoV-1 pseudotyped viruses. Statistical analysis of factors associated with anti-SARS-CoV-1 antibodies’ existence status was determined using SAS software. 46.2% SARS-CoV-1 convalescent patients presented anti-N antibody after three years post-infection. Among sixty participants, ten participants co-presented anti-S antibodies. Eight participants with anti-S antibody displayed neutralization ability to SARS-CoV-1. The gender, age, and disease severity of participants did not affect the anti-N antibody existence status, whereas the anti-S antibody is significantly reduced in participants with old age (>50 years, p = 0.0434) after three years post SARS-CoV-1 infection. This study suggests that age is an important factor correlated with the duration of SARS-CoV-1 protective antibody existence status.

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Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV testing utilization among men who have sex with men in China: a cross-sectional online survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30070 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ke Chun Zhang ◽

Yuan Fang ◽

He Cao ◽

Hongbiao Chen ◽

Tian Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Testing ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Service Providers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Testing Service ◽

Initial Control ◽

Testing Uptake ◽

Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic creates disruptions on HIV prevention and sexual health services for men who have sex with men (MSM). OBJECTIVE This study compared HIV testing utilization in three different reference periods (i.e., before COVID-19 outbreak, after the outbreak, and after the pandemic was under initial control). Factors associated with HIV testing utilization after COVID-19 outbreak were also investigated. METHODS Participants were Chinese-speaking MSM aged ≥18 years living in Shenzhen, China. Those self-reported as HIV positive were excluded. A total of 595 participants recruited through multiple sources completed a self-administered online survey during August to September 2020. HIV testing uptake between February and July 2020 was the dependent variable, and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS About half of the participants reported any HIV testing uptake between February and July 2020 (n=331, 55.6%). As compared to the time before COVID-19 outbreak (November 2019 to January 2020), HIV testing uptake was significantly lower during February and April 2020 (44.0% versus 61.0%, p<.001). However, HIV testing uptake did not increase significantly after the pandemic was under initial control (May to July 2020) (46.6% versus 44.0%, p=.21). After adjusting for significant background characteristics, factors associated with higher HIV testing uptake between February and July 2020 included: 1) HIV testing uptake prior to COVID-19 outbreak (AOR: 10.75, 95%CI: 7.22, 16.02, p<.001), 2) use of sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing (AOR: 7.02, 95%CI: 4.10, 12.02, p<.001), other HIV/STI prevention (AOR: 3.15, 95%CI: 2.16, 4.60, p<.001) and PrEP (AOR: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.54, 8.34, p=.002) between February and July 2020, 3) CAI with RP (AOR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.34, 3.13, p=.001) and NRP (AOR: 2.49, 95%CI: 1.39, 4.47, p=.002), and SDU (AOR: 2.72, 95%CI: 1.50, 4.94, p=.001) between February and July 2020, 4) perceived risk of HIV infection at present was higher than the time before COVID-19 outbreak (AOR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.30, p=.03), 5) perceived COVID-19 preventive measures taken up by HIV testing service providers to be effective (AOR: 1.52, 95%CI: 1.29, 1.78, p<.001), and 6) perceived higher behavioral control to take up HIV testing after COVID-19 outbreak (AOR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.40, p=.048). Concerns about COVID-19 infection during HIV testing (AOR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.68, 0.89, p<.001), avoiding crowed places (AOR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.48, 0.98, p=0.04) and HIV testing service providers reduced their working hours (AOR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.48, 0.98, p=0.046) were negatively associated with the dependent variable. CONCLUSIONS HIV testing utilization among Chinese MSM declined after COVID-19 outbreak and did not increase after the pandemic received initial control. Removing structural barriers to access HIV testing caused by COVID-19, modifying perceptions related to HIV testing, and making use of HIV self-testing might be useful strategies to improve HIV testing among MSM during the pandemic.

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A Retrospective Survey of Factors Affecting the Risk of Incidents and Equine Injury During Non-Commercial Transportation by Road in the United Kingdom

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10020288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 288 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Carol Hall ◽

Rachel Kay ◽

Jim Green

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Injury Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Road Transport ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Factors Associated ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Transport Vehicle ◽

General Transport ◽

The Uk

The number of equines injured as a result of incidents during road transport is currently unknown in the United Kingdom. Although previous research has identified factors that affect an equine’s behavioural and physiological responses to transportation, their contribution to incident occurrence and injury risk is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with incident occurrence and equine injury during transportation by road. An online survey was administered between 12 May 2017 and 21 July 2017 in the UK. The survey was open to those transporting equines non-commercially and comprised two sections. Questions relating to general transport behaviour were completed by all participants. Participants who had experienced an incident then provided details of these, including outcomes. Incidents were reported by 16.2% (342/2116) of participants, with details included for 399 incidents. Those participants who had a professional/competitive involvement with equines reported more incidents than those with a predominantly leisure involvement (p < 0.01). Equine behaviour was the attributed cause of 56% of incidents reported and most incidents occurred during the first hour of travel (65%). In over 50% of the incidents reported, the equine was injured, with those incidents attributed to transport vehicle malfunction being associated with the highest percentage of injury (68%). This study highlights the need for better preparation of the equine for transportation and to identify risk factors associated with transport vehicle type, design and operation.

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Multilevel Factors Affecting Healthcare Workers’ Perceived Stress and Risk of Infection During COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Public Health ◽

10.3389/ijph.2021.599408 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 66 ◽

Author(s):

Gilbert T. Chua ◽

Keith T. S. Tung ◽

Mike Yat Wah Kwan ◽

Rosa S. Wong ◽

Celine S. L. Chui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Family Relationship ◽

Family Members ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Hospital Policies

Objectives: This study aimed to identify key factors affecting Healthcare workers (HCWs) perceived stress and risk of contracting COVID-19 among themselves and their family members during the pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire study was conducted between 19 March and April 5, 2020 in Hong Kong. HCWs from public hospitals and private dentists, and their family members participated.Results: A total of 747 HCWs and 245 family members participated. Higher perceived stress in HCWs was associated with more negative changes in family relationship (p = 0.025). The HCWs’ perceived stress, however, was positively associated with family cohesion (p = 0.033) and stress levels of family members (p < 0.001). The level of HCWs’ satisfaction toward the hospital policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak was associated with lower levels of perceived stress and risk of themselves or their family members contracting COVID-19. HCWs’ previous frontline experience of SARS was significantly associated with less perceived risk of themselves or their family members contracting COVID-19.Conclusion: Hospital policies addressing HCWs’ needs, frontline experience of SARS, and family relationship influenced psychological wellbeing of HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers and Initial Areas of Action for Intervention and Prevention—The egePan/VOICE Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph181910531 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (19) ◽

pp. 10531

Author(s):

Lucia Jerg-Bretzke ◽

Maximilian Kempf ◽

Marc Nicolas Jarczok ◽

Katja Weimer ◽

Christian Hirning ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Occupational Stress ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Systems ◽

Living Alone ◽

Healthcare Sector ◽

German Speaking ◽

The Impact ◽

The Voice ◽

Efficient Work

Introduction: Epidemics lead to an increase in occupational stress and psychological strain among healthcare workers. However, the impact of a pandemic outbreak on healthcare systems is yet to be clearly defined. Therefore, this work aims to describe and analyze specific areas of workload among different groups of healthcare workers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A sample of N = 8088 persons working in the German-speaking healthcare sector participated in the VOICE/egePan online survey, which addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the second quarter of 2020. We used 15 self-constructed items, based on the work of Matsuishi et al. (2012), to identify potential COVID-19-specific topics. Results: N = 7542 records of healthcare workers were analyzed. Of these, 60.80% reported, retrospectively, an increase in stress since the outbreak of the pandemic. Problem areas tended to be indicated more frequently by the women surveyed than by the men. Nurses, paramedics and medical technicians reported the highest fear of infecting others while physicians reported the highest fear of physical or mental exhaustion. With respect to age, older respondents indicated less fear and felt more protected. Men and people living alone were more likely to use dysfunctional coping strategies. Migrants reported a higher fear of becoming infected or infecting others as well as they reported about increased levels of smoking. Discussion: Retrospectively, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in stress among healthcare workers. Problem areas have different focuses with regard to different living situations, environmental conditions and professions. In order to lay the best basis for healthy and efficient work, it seems necessary to take measures especially tailored to the needs of different groups of healthcare workers.

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