ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hospital-based healthcare workers have experienced significant psychological stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIM: To evaluate the mental health of hospital workers during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dublin, Ireland. METHODS: Cross-sectional anonymous online survey of hospital workers (n = 377; 181 doctors (48.0%), 166 nurses (44.0%), 30 radiographers (8.0%)), collecting demographic information, COVID-19 exposure history and mental health measures. RESULTS: There were significant differences between profession groups in gender, experience, COVID-19 infection history, exposure to COVID-19 positive acquaintances, and work areas. Moderate-severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were found in 45.1% (95% CI 40.1-50.1%) of all participants; significantly fewer doctors reported moderate-severe PTSD symptoms (26%; 95% CI 22-36%). A World Health Organisation-5 Wellbeing Index (WHO-5) score ≤ 32, indicating low mood, was reported by 52% (95% CI 47-57%) of participants; significantly fewer doctors reported low mood (46%; 95% CI 39-53%). One-week suicidal ideation and planning were reported respectively by 13% (95% CI 10-16%) and 5% (95% CI 3-7%) of participants with no between-group differences. Doctors reported significantly less moral injury than other groups. There were no significant between-group differences regarding coping styles. Work ability was insufficient in 39% (95% CI 34-44%) of staff; no between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: Dublin hospital workers reported high levels of PTSD symptoms, mood disturbance, and moral injury during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerning levels of suicidal ideation and planning existed in this cohort. Differences in degrees of post-traumatic stress, moral injury, and wellbeing were found between profession groups, which should be considered when planning any supports.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nursing homes for older adults have been disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic with increased mortality of residents and staff distress. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the mental health of nursing home staff during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland. DESIGN/METHODS: Cross-sectional anonymous study of Republic of Ireland nursing home staff (n = 390) during the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Online survey collecting demographic information, Covid-19 exposure history and mental health measures. RESULTS: There were significant differences between nurses, healthcare assistants (HCA) and non-clinical staff history in age, ethnicity, years' experience, history of Covid-19 infection and contact with Covid-19 positive acquaintances. Moderate-severe post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were found in 45.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 40.2%-50.1%) of all staff. A World Health Organisation-5 (WHO-5) wellbeing index score ≤32, indicating low mood, was reported by 38.7% (95% CI, 33.9%-43.5%) of staff; significantly more nurses reported low mood. Suicidal ideation and suicide planning were reported, respectively, by 13.8% (95% CI, 10.4%-17.3%) and 9.2% (95% CI, 6.4%-12.1%) of participants with no between-group differences. HCAs reported a significantly higher degree of moral injury than non-clinical staff. Nurses were more likely to use approach coping styles than non-clinical staff. Work ability was insufficient in 24.6% (95% CI 20.3%-28.9%) of staff. CONCLUSION: Nursing home staff report high levels of post-traumatic stress, mood disturbance and moral injury during the Covid-19 pandemic. Differences in degree of moral injury, wellbeing and coping styles were found between staff groups, which need to be incorporated into planning supports for this neglected workforce.