Nursing home staff mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland.
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry
; 37(1)2021 Nov 02.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1499256
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.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Language:
English
Journal subject:
Geriatrics
/
Psychiatry
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Gps.5648
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