On the frontlines in Shanghai: Stress, burnout and perceived benefit among COVID-19 testers and other personnel during the Omicron wave lockdown (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 control measure stringency including testing has been among the highest globally in China. Psychosocial impact on pandemic workers in Shanghai, and their pandemic-related attitudes were investigated. Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were healthcare providers (HCP) and other support workers. A Mandarin self-report survey was administered via Wenjuanxing between April-June 2022 during the omicron-wave lockdown. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory were administered, as well as pandemic-specific questions. Results:887 workers participated, of which 691 (77.9%) were HCPs. They were working a mean of 6.25+/-1.24 days/week for 9.77+/-4.28 hours/day. Most participants were burnt-out, with 143(16.1%) moderately and 98(11.0%) seriously. Total PSS was 26.85+/-9.92/56, with 353(39.8%) participants having elevated stress. Workers perceived their families primarily as fully supportive (n=610, 68.8%), or also extremely concerned (n=203, 22.9%). Most wanted counseling and stress relief, but half(n=430) reported no time for it; indeed, 2/3rds wanted a few days off to rest (n=601). Many workers perceived benefits that they fostered more cohesive relationships (n=581, 65.5%), they will be more resilient (n=693, 78.1%), and were honored to serve (n=747, 84.2%).Negative impacts were greater in HCPs, those with economic insecurity, and that did not perceive benefit (all p<.05).In adjusted analyses, those perceiving benefits showed significantly less burnout (OR=0.573, 95% CI=0.411 - 0.799), among other correlates. Conclusions: Pandemic work, including among non-HCP, is stressful, but some can derive benefits.