Factors associated with peritraumatic stress symptoms among the frontline healthcare workers during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China

Jan 12, 2022BMJ open

Factors linked to stress symptoms in frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak in China

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Abstract

676 (58.1%) healthcare workers reported clinically significant high levels of (PTSS during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Only 441 (37.9%) of healthcare workers self-reported good health.
A majority reported physical symptoms (915, or 78.7%) and psychological symptoms (906, or 77.9%).
Factors significantly associated with higher PTSS scores included combined psychological and physical symptoms, , and fear of infection.
Inadequate was reported, with the lowest scores for receipt of psychological services (3.11±1.73).
Working more than 8 hours, having a senior professional title, and enjoying effective protection measures were negatively correlated with PTSS scores.

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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of (PTSSs), perceived threat, and factors contributing to clinically significant PTSS among frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers (HCWs) in China.

DESIGN AND SETTING: An online survey through self-administered questionnaires was conducted from 18 February to 4 March 2020, during the outbreak of COVID-19.

OUTCOMES MEASURES: PTSS was assessed using the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) self-rating scale. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, self-reported health, physical/psychological symptoms, perceived threat from frontline work and perceived social support were investigated. Multivariable line regression analysis distinguished factors associated with HCWs' PTSS scores.

RESULTS: A total of 676 (58.1%) HCWs have shown clinically significant high levels of PTSS. Only 441 (37.9%) self-reported good health. Most had physical symptom(s) (915 (78.7%)), psychological symptom(s) (906 (77.9%)), inability to vent emotions (284 (24.4%)), (666 (57.3%)) and 1037 (89.2%) needed professional respect. Moreover, social support received was less than expected, and the receipt of psychological services/help scored the lowest (3.11±1.73). Combined psychological and physical symptoms, difficulty in releasing tension and venting emotions timely, fear of infection, emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation are significantly associated with PTSS scores among frontline HCWs. Working ≥8 hours, having the senior professional title, self-reported health, enjoying perfect protection and control measures, economic subsidy and control policy on reducing discriminatory practices are negatively correlated with PTSS scores.

CONCLUSIONS: During the outbreak of COVID-19, frontline HCWs experienced clinically significant high levels of PTSS and heavy workload, and the emergency resulted in their inadequate psychosocial support. If this is left unchecked, HCWs have a higher risk of developing PTSD. Early detection, identification and person-directed, targeted multidisciplinary interventions should be undertaken to address various influencing factors. Comprehensive measures, including setting up emotional release channels, as well as providing psychological and social support intervention for HCWs globally, are highly recommended.

Key numbers

676 of 1163

Prevalence of Clinically Significant

Percentage of frontline HCWs experiencing clinically significant .

57.3%

Rate

Percentage of HCWs reporting .

915 of 1163

Physical Symptoms Reported

Number of HCWs reporting physical symptoms.

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Factors associated with peritraumatic stress symptoms among the frontline healthcare workers during the outbreak of COVID-19 in China

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