The Psychological Well-Being of Southeast Asian Frontline Healthcare Workers during COVID-19: A Multi-Country Study

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 24;19(11):6380. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19116380.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and job burnout among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) across six Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. We also investigated the associated risk and protective factors.

Methods: Frontline HCWs (N = 1381) from the participating countries participated between 4 January and 14 June 2021. The participants completed self-reported surveys on anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), and job burnout (PWLS). Multivariate logistic regressions were performed with anxiety, depression, and job burnout as outcomes and sociodemographic and job characteristics and HCW perceptions as predictors.

Results: The average proportion of HCWs reporting moderate anxiety, moderately severe depression, and job burnout across all countries were 10%, 4%, and 20%, respectively. Working longer hours than usual (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.82; 3.51), perceived high job risk (1.98; 2.22), and inadequate personal protective equipment (1.89; 2.11) were associated with increased odds of anxiety and job burnout while working night shifts was associated with increased risk of depression (3.23). Perceived good teamwork was associated with lower odds of anxiety (0.46), depression (0.43), and job burnout (0.39).

Conclusion: Job burnout remains a foremost issue among HCWs. Potential opportunities to improve HCW wellness are discussed.

Keywords: Asia; COVID-19; anxiety; burnout; depression; healthcare worker; psychological wellness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Burnout, Professional* / epidemiology
  • Burnout, Professional* / psychology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • SARS-CoV-2

Grants and funding

The authors acknowledge the support of the Pandemic Impact and Resilience Fund by the Musim Mas Group, through the Singapore General Health Hospital Development Fund (Grant no. FRGR01PNDM20). We also acknowledge the Asian Association for Emergency Medical Services (AAEMS) and Pan Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (PAROS) networks that were instrumental in disseminating the survey amongst its members.