COVID-19 Psychological Impact in 3109 Healthcare workers in Spain: The PSIMCOV Group

ABSTRACT

Background: The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has a great impactworldwide. Healthcare workers have an essential role and are one of the mostexposed groups. Information about the psychosocial impact on healthcare workersis limited.Methods: 3109 healthcare workers completed a national, internet-based, crosssectional 45-item survey between 9 to 19 April, 2020. The objective is to assess thepsychological impact of the SARS-CoV-2 in Spanish healthcare workers. APsychological Stress and Adaptation at work Score (PSAS) was defined combiningfour modified versions of validated psychological assessment tests (A) HealthcareStressful Test, (B) Coping Strategies Inventory, (C) Font-Roja Questionnaire and (D)Trait Meta-Mood Scale.Results: Of the 1671 physicians who completed the survey, the highestpsychosocial impact was perceived in Respiratory medicine, the mean (sd) PSASwas 48.3 (13.6) and Geriatrics 47.6 (16.4). Higher distress levels were found in theareas with the highest incidence of COVID-19 (>245.5 cases per 100,000 people),PSAS 46.8 (15.2);P<0.001. The least stress respondents were asymptomaticworkers PSAS, 41.3 (15.4);P<0.001, as well as those over 60 years old, PSAS,37.6(16);P<0.001. Workers that needed psychological therapy and did not receiveit, were more stressed PSAS 52.5 (13.6) than those who did not need it PSAS39,7(13,9) P<0.001.Conclusions: The psychological impact in healthcare workers in Spain during