Jang Y, You M, Lee H, Lee M, Lee Y, Han JO, Oh JH. Burnout and peri
traumatic distress of healthcare workers in the COVID-19 pandemic.
BMC Public Health 2021;
21:2075. [PMID:
34772383 PMCID:
PMC8586834 DOI:
10.1186/s12889-021-11978-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the current status of emotional exhaustion and peritraumatic distress of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the COVID-19 pandemic, and identify factors associated with their mental health status.
METHODS
An online survey involving 1068 of consented HCWs that included nurses, physicians, and public health officers was conducted in May 2020. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses were performed on the collected data.
RESULTS
Although no significant difference in peritraumatic distress was observed among the surveyed HCWs, the workers' experience of emotional exhaustion varied according to work characteristics. Respondents who were female, older, living with a spouse, and/or full-time workers reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion. Public health officers and other medical personnel who did not have direct contact with confirmed patients and full-time workers had a higher level of peritraumatic distress. Forced involvement in work related to COVID-19, worry about stigma, worry about becoming infected, and perceived sufficiency of organizational support negatively predict emotional exhaustion and peritraumatic distress.
CONCLUSIONS
Job-related and emotional stress of HCWs should not be neglected. Evidence-based interventions and supports are required to protect HCWs from mental illness and to promote mental health of those involved in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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