Determination of the Perceived Stress Status of Healthcare Workers due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Sample of İzmir

Abstract

Objective: Healthcare workers who are in direct contact with patients during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are at high risk for the contagion of the disease. This situation causes healthcare workers to experience psychosocial problems such as stress, fear, anxiety and social stigma. In this study, it is aimed to determine the perceived stress situation by healthcare professionals due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The research was carried out between November-December 2020, within the scope of 6 training and research hospitals in the province of Izmir, with healthcare workers working in the clinic, intensive care, polyclinic and emergency services defined for COVID-19. The sample of the study consisted of 490 healthcare professionals who met the inclusion criteria. 'Introductory Form for Health Personnel' and 'Perceived Stress Scale' were used to collect data. Results: The mean score of the perceived stress level of the health workers participating in the study was determined as 16.6+-5.1 and the mean scores of the scale sub-dimensions Perceived Stress and Perceived Coping were determined as 11.0+-4.1 and 5.6+-2.3, respectively. It was determined that the perceived stress level of healthcare workers in the 26-30 age group, doctors, those working in intensive care units and those with a professional year of 5-10 years was higher than that of other healthcare workers (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that the perceived stress levels of the healthcare professionals due to the COVID-19 pandemic were moderate.

Keywords

• covid-19 pandemic
• perceived stress level
• healthcare workers