Influence of COVID-19 on the Mental Health Status of Healthcare Professionals: A Comparative Study
Keywords:
Mental Health, COVID-19, Healthcare professionals, Stress, Anxiety, DepressionAbstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous impact on healthcare systems globally. Healthcare personnel, particularly those on the front lines, have endured significant psychological pressures. The mental health toll on healthcare workers has been severe, with research revealing higher rates of fatigue, suicidal ideation, and psychological stress. Emotional tiredness among healthcare workers can lead to workplace errors, shifts in attitudes toward patients, poor service quality, and decreased productivity.
Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare workers across different hospital departments.
Setting and design: This study is A comparative cross-sectional design was employed at Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, UAE.
Materials and Methods: Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) from 170 healthcare professionals across various hospital departments.
Results: Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and correlation analysis were performed with SPSS and STATA software. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Among the 170 participants, 51.2% reported depression, 62.4% anxiety, and 44.1% stress. Significant relationships were discovered between age (P = 0.01 and 0.002) and gender (P = 0.008 and 0.005) in terms of anxiety and stress, with younger and female staff reporting higher levels of psychological distress. The ICU and emergency room staff were the most affected. Stress and anxiety showed a substantial link (r = 0.79, P < 0.001), while stress and depression had a moderate correlation (r = 0.59, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for department-specific mental health interventions in healthcare settings. Younger and female healthcare staff, particularly those in high-exposure departments like the ICU, emergency, and pharmacy staff, require focused support to mitigate long-term psychological consequences.
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