ABSTRACT
The National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China has classified coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) as category B infectious disease and taken preventive and control measures of category A infectious diseases. COVID-19 is highly contagious and all age groups are vulnerable. Therefore, medical institutions should strengthen preventive and control measures during COVID-19 epidemic to refrain from nosocomial infection. Other factors, such as mental status disturbances caused by psychological stress during COVID-19 outbreak, high population density of closed ward and poor behavioral control of psychiatric patients, may hinder the preventive and control measures of COVID-19. We propose the preventive and control strategy of psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 epidemic to provide reference for various psychiatric institutions.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented serious threats to people's health and lives. Police officers are bravely fighting on the front lines of the epidemic. The main purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of psychological responses among police officers during the COVID-19 pandemic and find influencing factors in depression and anxiety. METHODS: A cross-sectional online questionnaire was administered to police officers in Wuhu through WeChat, and data were collected between March 10 and 26, 2020. A total of 3,561 questionnaires were received, of which 3,517 were considered valid. The questionnaires included demographic information and a psychological survey. The depression scale of the Patient Health QuestionnaireQ9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale were utilized to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. RESULTS: The mean depression score of participants was 4.10±4.87 (0-27), and 12.17%had moderate-severe depression. The mean anxiety score of participants was 3.59±4.228 (0-21), and 8.79% had moderate-severe anxiety. Older and married police officers were at higher risk of anxiety. Those with a bachelor's degree or above, living near the city center, and taking sleeping pills were at greater risk of depression and anxiety. Auxiliary police had lower depression and anxiety scores. Depression scores were strongly correlated withanxiety scores (r=0.863, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings identify factors associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety that can be utilized to develop psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.