International Journal of Public Health (Aug 2022)

A Multi-Center Study on the Negative Psychological Impact and Associated Factors in Chinese Healthcare Workers 1 Year After the COVID-19 Initial Outbreak

  • Maria Jose Gonzalez Mendez,
  • Li Ma,
  • Ruben Alvarado,
  • Ruben Alvarado,
  • Jorge Ramirez,
  • Kun-Peng Xu,
  • Kun-Peng Xu,
  • Hui-Fang Xu,
  • Shao-Kai Zhang,
  • Mohamed S. Bangura,
  • Ying Yang,
  • Yan-Qin Yu,
  • Xi Zhang,
  • Wenjun Wang,
  • Xiaofen Gu,
  • Li Li,
  • Didier Sama Salah,
  • Youlin Qiao,
  • Youlin Qiao,
  • Youlin Qiao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604979
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 67

Abstract

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Objectives: The study aimed at analyzing the prevalence of five psychological outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation) among Chinese healthcare workers (HCWs), and measured the total possible negative psychological impact 1 year after the COVID-19 initial outbreak.Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide multi-center study was performed between November 2020 and March 2021 in China. A self-report questionnaire was applied, and three psychological scales were used. Binary logistic regression was performed to analyze the risk factors associated with each psychological outcome.Results: The findings demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative psychological impact on HCWs, which was still evident 1 year after the initial outbreak. Nurses showed higher depression and anxiety than other HCWs. Female gender, passive coping, long working hours, having a chronic disease, and experiencing violence, among other factors, were all risk factors for psychological impairment.Conclusion: Developing and promoting programs to improve mental health among HCWs, and identifying those who might need psychological support is still relevant 1 year after the initial outbreak.

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