Psychological impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare workers in China Xi’an central hospital

• Main Authors: Nan Wang, Yongqin Li, Qiaoxia Wang, Caihong Lei, Yuanyuan Liu, Shanshan Zhu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2021-03-01
• Series: Brain and Behavior
• Subjects: COVID‐19; healthcare workers; mental health; responsibility
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2028

Abstract Objective COVID‐19 significantly altered our routine, lifestyle, and stress level across the globe. This study investigated the psychological impact of COVID‐19 on healthcare workers in China Xi'an Center hospital. Methods A modified online questionnaire of Psychological Status and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) was provided to 1,967 healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participation was voluntary, and the responses were anonymous. The survey lasted for 2 weeks, and the GHQ‐12 was completed every other day. The data were collected automatically and electronically and then statistically analyzed. Results The 431 (21.9%) responders included 214 nurses (49.7%), 146 clinicians (33.9%), 29 pharmacists (6.7%), 15 medical technicians (3.5%), 17 administrative staff (3.9%), and 10 other departments (2.3%). Of these, 46.2% had 10 years of work experiences or more and 78.2% were married. Work experience increased emotional stress as 23% of participants with 10 years or more of experience exhibited higher stress compared to those with fewer than 3 years of work experience (7.5%). Moreover, 33.3% of participants who worked in or were exposed to the affected areas of the pandemic experienced psychological stress. Overall, this study identified four factors that were significantly associated with psychological stress: (a) work experience (OR 2.99; 95% CI: 1.06 to 8.41); (b) change in job position (OR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.59); (c) change in lifestyle (OR 4.06; 95% CI: 1.81 to 9.10); and (d) need for psychological counseling (OR 3.07; 95% CI: 1.62 to 5.82). Conclusions The COVID‐19 pandemic has increased psychological stress among healthcare workers with 10 years or more work experiences and who recently experienced a career position change.