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Kelly MM, Copel L, Herbers JE, Knight AC, McKay MA, McKeever A, Pariseault C. Family experiences reported by healthcare worker parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 77:53-62. [PMID: 38479063 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents, who were working as essential frontline healthcare workers experienced unique stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic including disruption of regular routines, long lapses away from family, extreme work stress and subsequent difficulty in compartmentalizing work-related concerns when at home. The purpose of this study was to assess COVID-19 exposure and impact of frontline healthcare workers who are parents. DESIGN & METHODS This study quantitatively assessed the COVID-19 exposure and impact and qualitatively explored perceptions of parents of children 9 to 17 years of age, who were also frontline healthcare workers. RESULTS Participants (N = 79) using the COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey (CEFIS) reported exposure mean scores of 10.03 (SD = 2.63); and impact scores mean scores of 3.18 (SD = 0.46). Thematic analysis identified four themes, each with 2 subthemes: 1) family stressors increased (e.g., concerns about health and safety, losses of lifestyle patterns); 2) changes in children's health and well-being (e.g., isolation from family and friends, mental health problems); 3) virtual school difficulties (e.g., parent and student challenges, home school option); 4) skill building opportunities (e.g., enhanced emotional connections, increased family activities). CONCLUSION The CHAMPS Family Health Study suggests that families of essential workers are especially vulnerable to the effect of COVID-19, as are those families of essential workers who include child/ren with special health care needs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Preparation for future emergencies requires strategies to mitigate consequences and promote well-being. These results highlight the need for supportive approaches to decrease the negative consequences of stress and to augment skills for family connection and cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Kelly
- Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America.
| | - Linda Copel
- Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America
| | - Janette E Herbers
- Villanova University, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States of America
| | - Abigail C Knight
- Villanova University, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States of America
| | - Michelle A McKay
- Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America
| | - Amy McKeever
- Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America
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Mensinger JL, Weissinger GM, Cantrell MA, Baskin R, George C. A Pilot Feasibility Evaluation of a Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback App to Improve Self-Care in COVID-19 Healthcare Workers. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2024; 49:241-259. [PMID: 38502516 PMCID: PMC11101559 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09621-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 exacerbated burnout and mental health concerns among the healthcare workforce. Due to high work stress, demanding schedules made attuned eating behaviors a particularly challenging aspect of self-care for healthcare workers. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) mobile app for improving well-being among healthcare workers reporting elevated disordered eating during COVID-19. We conducted a mixed methods pre-mid-post single-arm pilot feasibility trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04921228). Deductive content analysis of participants' commentary generated qualitative themes. Linear mixed models were used to examine changes in pre- mid- to post-assessment scores on well-being outcomes. We consented 28 healthcare workers (25/89% female; 23/82% Non-Hispanic White; 22/79% nurses) to use and evaluate an HRVB mobile app. Of these, 25/89% fully enrolled by attending the app and device training; 23/82% were engaged in all elements of the protocol. Thirteen (52%) completed at least 10 min of HRVB on two-thirds or more study days. Most participants (18/75%) reported being likely or extremely likely to continue HRVB. Common barriers to engagement were busy schedules, fatigue, and technology difficulties. However, participants felt that HRVB helped them relax and connect better to their body's signals and experiences. Results suggested preliminary evidence of efficacy for improving interoceptive sensibility, mindful self-care, body appreciation, intuitive eating, stress, resilience, and disordered eating. HRVB has potential as a low-cost adjunct tool for enhancing well-being in healthcare workers through positively connecting to the body, especially during times of increased stress when attuned eating behavior becomes difficult to uphold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janell L Mensinger
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 1073 Maltz, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314, USA.
- Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA.
| | - Guy M Weissinger
- Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Mary Ann Cantrell
- Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Baskin
- Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Cerena George
- Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
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2024 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3708-3821. [PMID: 38689398 PMCID: PMC11095490 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
This article describes the public health impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including prevalence and incidence, mortality and morbidity, use and costs of care and the ramifications of AD for family caregivers, the dementia workforce and society. The Special Report discusses the larger health care system for older adults with cognitive issues, focusing on the role of caregivers and non-physician health care professionals. An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia today. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure AD. Official AD death certificates recorded 119,399 deaths from AD in 2021. In 2020 and 2021, when COVID-19 entered the ranks of the top ten causes of death, Alzheimer's was the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. Official counts for more recent years are still being compiled. Alzheimer's remains the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older. Between 2000 and 2021, deaths from stroke, heart disease and HIV decreased, whereas reported deaths from AD increased more than 140%. More than 11 million family members and other unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care to people with Alzheimer's or other dementias in 2023. These figures reflect a decline in the number of caregivers compared with a decade earlier, as well as an increase in the amount of care provided by each remaining caregiver. Unpaid dementia caregiving was valued at $346.6 billion in 2023. Its costs, however, extend to unpaid caregivers' increased risk for emotional distress and negative mental and physical health outcomes. Members of the paid health care and broader community-based workforce are involved in diagnosing, treating and caring for people with dementia. However, the United States faces growing shortages across different segments of the dementia care workforce due to a combination of factors, including the absolute increase in the number of people living with dementia. Therefore, targeted programs and care delivery models will be needed to attract, better train and effectively deploy health care and community-based workers to provide dementia care. Average per-person Medicare payments for services to beneficiaries age 65 and older with AD or other dementias are almost three times as great as payments for beneficiaries without these conditions, and Medicaid payments are more than 22 times as great. Total payments in 2024 for health care, long-term care and hospice services for people age 65 and older with dementia are estimated to be $360 billion. The Special Report investigates how caregivers of older adults with cognitive issues interact with the health care system and examines the role non-physician health care professionals play in facilitating clinical care and access to community-based services and supports. It includes surveys of caregivers and health care workers, focusing on their experiences, challenges, awareness and perceptions of dementia care navigation.
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Byrne CD, Copel LC, Smeltzer SC, Chen MH. Experiences of new nurses in the United States during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Nurs Rev 2023; 70:560-568. [PMID: 37822093 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM This qualitative descriptive study describes the experiences of new nurses during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. BACKGROUND New nurses faced the dual challenge of transitioning to practice while working during a global pandemic. Although multiple studies have described nurses' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, research is warranted to understand new nurses' experiences during the acute phase of the pandemic. METHODS Registered nurses (n = 46) with less than two years of work experience, who participated in the COVID-19 Study and Registry of Healthcare and Support Personnel (CHAMPS), participated in this study. Thematic analysis was used to examine their responses. The COREQ guidelines were used in reporting this study. RESULTS Five themes were extracted: feelings of increasing isolation, feelings of intense fear, personal health concerns, shattered and disrupted expectations, and living in a constant dilemma. DISCUSSION New nurses described their distress and profound sense of isolation which was compounded by their status as new employees and being shunned by others. There was intense fear for their safety and health. They viewed their limited nursing experience with only COVID-19 patients as detrimental to their careers and encountered complex dilemmas and were obligated to make problematic choices. CONCLUSIONS New nurses revealed unrelenting psychological and physical distress during the pandemic. Identification and implementation of strategies to address their distress and alleviate its negative consequences were needed but not provided. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY The development and implementation of policies to address the challenges new nurses encounter are needed. Action strategies to promote professional socialization and job retention are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine D Byrne
- Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda Carman Copel
- Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Suzanne C Smeltzer
- Villanova University, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mu-Hsun Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
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Shenkman R, Diewald L, Murray MB, Oliver TL. Unveiling Lived Experiences: Exploring the Health and Lifestyle Effects of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers. Nutrients 2023; 15:4857. [PMID: 38068716 PMCID: PMC10708279 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant life disruptions among healthcare workers (HCWs), including changes in weight, eating habits, and physical activity. This qualitative study sought to evaluate the initial and longitudinal effects of health habits among HCWs throughout the pandemic. Data were collected through Qualtrics surveys at three points over a 2-year period with questions asking participants (n = 234) to describe whether they experienced changes in weight, eating behaviors, and physical activity and why they believe these changes occurred. The open-ended responses were analyzed following the summative content analysis approach. Four key themes emerged: (1) problematic eating patterns and habits, (2) disruptions in physical activity, (3) alterations in work environment and schedule, and (4) declines in mental health. Respondent reflections highlight the immediate and long-term pandemic-related effects on weight status for some, attributed to alterations in routines and health habits. Other HCWs reported a "reset" or indicated their habits may have been initially disrupted but normalized or improved over the 2-year time span. Findings underscore the need for strategies that support the physical and mental health of healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Shenkman
- MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA;
| | - Lisa Diewald
- MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA;
| | - Mary Beth Murray
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA; (M.B.M.); (T.L.O.)
| | - Tracy L. Oliver
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA; (M.B.M.); (T.L.O.)
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Copel LC, Smeltzer SC, Byrne CD, Chen MH, Havens DS, Kaufmann P, Brom H, Durning JD, Maldonado L, Bradley PK, Mensinger J, Yost J. A thematic analysis of shared experiences of essential health and support personnel in the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282946. [PMID: 36940223 PMCID: PMC10027207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Studies have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on individuals who interact with patients with SARS-CoV-2 but focused largely on clinicians in acute care settings. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to understand the experiences and well-being of essential workers across settings during the pandemic. BACKGROUND Multiple studies of the well-being of individuals who have cared for patients during the pandemic have included interviews of clinicians from acute care settings and revealed high levels of stress. However, other essential workers have not been included in most of those studies, yet they may also experience stress. METHODS Individuals who participated in an online study of anxiety, depression, traumatic distress, and insomnia, were invited to provide a free-text comment if they had anything to add. A total of 2,762 essential workers (e.g., nurses, physicians, chaplains, respiratory therapists, emergency medical technicians, housekeeping, and food service staff, etc.) participated in the study with 1,079 (39%) providing text responses. Thematic analysis was used to analyze those responses. RESULTS Four themes with eight sub-themes were: Facing hopelessness, yet looking for hope; Witnessing frequent death; Experiencing disillusionment and disruption within the healthcare system, and Escalating emotional and physical health problems. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed major psychological and physical stress among essential workers. Understanding highly stressful experiences during the pandemic is essential to identify strategies that ameliorate stress and prevent its negative consequences. This study adds to the research on the psychological and physical impact of the pandemic on workers, including non-clinical support personnel often overlooked as experiencing major negative effects. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The magnitude of stress among all levels of essential workers suggests the need to develop strategies to prevent or alleviate stress across disciplines and all categories of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Carman Copel
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Suzanne C Smeltzer
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christine D Byrne
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mu-Hsun Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Donna S Havens
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Peter Kaufmann
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Heather Brom
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Dean Durning
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- School of Nursing, Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Linda Maldonado
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Patricia K Bradley
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Janell Mensinger
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Yost
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Smeltzer SC, Copel LC, Bradley PK, Maldonado LT, D. Byrne C, Durning JD, Havens DS, Brom H, Mensinger JL, Yost J. Vulnerability, loss, and coping experiences of health care workers and first responders during the covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2022; 17:2066254. [PMID: 35442177 PMCID: PMC9037221 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2022.2066254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic substantially affects health care workers from multiple disciplines, including nurses, physicians, therapists, and first responders. The aims of this study were to 1) explore and describe the experiences of health care workers and first responders working with individuals with COVID-19 infection, and 2) identify the support and strategies that were helpful during their experience.METHODS. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted via online video interviews of 29 health care workers and first responders who agreed to be contacted for an interview. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes and corresponding subthemes.RESULTS. The three overriding themes were 1) experiencing vulnerability, 2) suffering loss and grief, and 3) coping with vulnerability. A sense of vulnerability and high levels of stress were described and affected participants during their professional work as health care workers and first responders as well as their roles in their homes and communities.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION. The findings indicate the need for effective measures to assist health care workers and first responders to minimize the negative consequences of persistent and severe stress and vulnerability as they care for individuals with COVID-19 and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne C. Smeltzer
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Linda Carman Copel
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Patricia K. Bradley
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Linda Tina Maldonado
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Christine D. Byrne
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Heather Brom
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Janell L. Mensinger
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Yost
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
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Oliver TL, Shenkman R, Diewald LK, Bernhardt PW, Chen MH, Moore CH, Kaufmann PG. A Year in the Life of U.S. Frontline Health Care Workers: Impact of COVID-19 on Weight Change, Physical Activity, Lifestyle Habits, and Psychological Factors. Nutrients 2022; 14:4865. [PMID: 36432550 PMCID: PMC9694299 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced significantly higher burdens and life demands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to assess the longitudinal effects among HCWs throughout the pandemic. Qualtrics surveys collected self-reported data on weight changes, eating patterns, physical activity (PA), and psychological factors with data organized by timepoints prior to the pandemic (PP0—prior to March 2020), baseline (M0—January 2021), month 6 (M6—July 2021), and month 12 (M12—January 2022). Eating patterns were negatively impacted at the M0, with reported increases in snacking/grazing (69.7%), fast food/take-out consumption (57.8%), and alcohol (48.8%). However, by M6 and M12 there were no statistically significant differences in eating patterns, suggesting that eating patterns normalized over time. Mean weight increased from PP0 to M0 by 2.99 pounds (p < 0.001, n = 226) and from PP0 to M6 by 2.12 pounds (p < 0.027, n = 146), though the difference in mean weight from PP0 to M12 was not statistically significant (n = 122). PA counts decreased from 8.00 sessions per week PP0 to 6.80 by M0 (p = 0.005) before jumping to 12.00 at M6 (p < 0.001) and 10.67 at M12 (p < 0.001). Psychological factors comparing M0 to M12 found statistically significant differences for depression (p-value = 0.018) and anxiety (p-value = 0.001), meaning depression and anxiety were initially increased but improved by M12. Additionally, higher scores on depression and insomnia scales were associated with lower PA levels. These overall results imply that the COVID-19 pandemic had immediate effects on the eating patterns, weight changes, PA, and psychological factors of HCWs; however, routines and lifestyle habits appeared to have normalized one year later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L. Oliver
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Rebecca Shenkman
- MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Lisa K. Diewald
- MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Paul W. Bernhardt
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Mu-Hsun Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Caroline H. Moore
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Peter G. Kaufmann
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
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Mensinger JL, Brom H, Havens DS, Costello A, D'Annunzio C, Durning JD, Bradley PK, Copel L, Maldonado L, Smeltzer S, Yost J, Kaufmann P. Psychological responses of hospital-based nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: A cross-sectional study. Appl Nurs Res 2022; 63:151517. [PMID: 35034708 PMCID: PMC8549528 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2021.151517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies show decreased well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for healthcare providers from Asia. Less is known about the psychological responses of working during the pandemic on hospital-based registered nurses (RNs) in the United States (US). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to report the well-being of U.S.-based hospital RNs working during the initial acute phase of COVID-19 and compare it with well-being among healthcare workers described in two global meta-analyses. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in May–June 2020 (N = 467). Well-being was measured using the following tools: Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-2 for depressive symptoms, Impact of Events Scale-Revised for traumatic stress, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Compared with global rates from two meta-analyses, US-based RNs reported significantly more traumatic stress (54.6% vs. 11.4% and 21.5%; p < .001) and depressive symptoms (54.6% vs. 31.8% and 21.7%; p < .001). Rates of insomnia were also higher in U.S.-based RNs than in the meta-analysis that reported insomnia (32.4% vs 27.8%; p < .033). Rates of anxiety symptoms among US-based RNs did not differ from that reported in one meta-analysis (37.3% vs. 34.4%), while it was significantly higher in the other (37.3% vs. 22.1%; p < .001). Hospital-based RNs from the US exhibited over twice the rates of trauma and nearly double the rates of depressive symptoms than shown in reports from hospital workers globally during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lasting effects of this distress are unknown and warrant ongoing evaluation and solutions to better support emotional well-being and prevent burnout in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather Brom
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America.
| | - Donna S Havens
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America.
| | - Alexander Costello
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America; Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, United States of America.
| | | | - Jennifer Dean Durning
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America; Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, United States of America.
| | | | - Linda Copel
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America.
| | - Linda Maldonado
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America.
| | - Suzanne Smeltzer
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America.
| | - Jennifer Yost
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America.
| | - Peter Kaufmann
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, United States of America.
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