A cross-sectional study of the psychological status of 33,706 hospital workers at the late stage of the COVID-19 outbreak
Highlights
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In this study, we clarified the mental health status of the hospital workers and verified our hypothesis by conducting a large sample investigation (33,706 participants) with the staff of 46 hospitals in Chongqing in the late period of the COVID-19 epidemic, when there had been no new COVID-19 infections.
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We collected and analyzed data from multiple dimensions on sociodemographic characteristics, epidemic-related factors, psychological status (with the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PHQ-15), psychological needs, perceived stress and support, PTSD symptoms (PCL-C) and suicidal and self-injurious ideation (SSI).
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Hospital workers with PTSD symptoms were a high-risk group for SSI, and positive psychological intervention could have a certain preventive effect.
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We found the COVID-19 pandemic had a sustained, strong psychological impact on hospital workers, even in the later period of the epidemic. These findings indicate the importance of continuous attention and positive psychological intervention for specific populations.
Abstract
Background
Hospital workers have been under intense psychological pressure since the COVID-19 outbreak. We analyzed the psychological status of hospital staff in the late period of the COVID-19 to provide a basis for the construction of global health care after the COVID-19 outbreak.
Methods
We used online surveys to assess participants’ self-reported symptoms at the late stage of the outbreak. This study collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, epidemic-related factors, psychological status (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PHQ-15), psychological assistance needs, perceived stress and support, PTSD symptoms (PCL-C) and suicidal and self-injurious ideation (SSI). Participants were hospital workers in all positions from 46 hospitals. Chi-square tests to compare the scales and logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for PTSD and SSI.
Results
Among the 33,706 participants, the prevalences of depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and SSI were 35.8%, 24.4%, 49.7%, 5.0%, and 1.3%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that work in a general ward, attention to the epidemic, high education, work in non-first-line departments, insufficient social support, and anxiety and somatization symptoms were influencing factors of PTSD (P<0.05). The independent risk factors for SSI were female gender; psychological assistance needs; contact with severe COVID-19 patients; high stress at work; single or divorced marital status; insufficient social support; and depression, anxiety or PTSD symptoms (P<0.05).
Limitations
This cross-sectional study could not reveal causality, and voluntary participation may have led to selection bias. The longer longitudinal studies are needed to determine the long-term psychological impact.
Conclusion
This COVID-19 pandemic had a sustained, strong psychological impact on hospital workers, and hospital workers with PTSD symptoms were a high-risk group for SSI in the later period of the epidemic. Continuous attention and positive psychological intervention are of great significance for specific populations.
Keywords
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These authors contributed equally to this work.