Stress reactions in a tertiary oto-rhino-laryngological department during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Danish Capital region.
Acta Otolaryngol
; 141(8): 791-795, 2021 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1338590
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Health care workers (HCW) at otorhinolaryngological departments have an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, due to aerosol-inducing diagnostic and surgical procedures in the airways. The ongoing exposure to physical and psychological stressors could impact the mental health of HCW. AIM/OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the impact on mental health in an otorhinolaryngological department during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS/METHOD:
Cross-sectional questionnaire study, assessing symptoms of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-10). Physicians, nurses, and secretaries were included at a tertiary department of otorhinolaryngology in the Capital Region of Denmark during the COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020.RESULTS:
Positive screenings for stress reactions were found in 22% for depressive symptoms and 15.5% anxiety. 27% feared becoming infected, 47% feared infecting their families in relation to work. 27% felt others were distancing from them, and 38% isolated themselves from others because of their work. Women had an odds ratio of 9.18 (CI 1.49-179) for depressive stress reactions.CONCLUSION:
HCW were primarily concerned with transmitting COVID-19 to their relatives. Secondarily, there was a concern about becoming infected despite feeling adequately protected by personal protective equipment. Women were at higher risk of more severe depressive symptoms when corrected for professions.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Otolaryngology
/
Personnel, Hospital
/
Communicable Disease Control
/
Occupational Stress
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Acta Otolaryngol
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
00016489.2021.1947525
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