Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers during the first wave in Portugal: a cross-sectional and correlational study

Abstract

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. This study aims to identify the degree to which sociodemographic variables and indicators of subjective well-being and psychological resilience are associated, positively and negatively, with the outcomes of burnout, stress, depression and anxiety among Portuguese HCWs observed during the first wave. It also aims to evaluate the strength of association of these variables and indicators with each outcome.

Design: Cross-sectional quantitative study. The statistical methods used are simple logistic model, multiple logistic regression model and -2*log-likelihood statistic.

Setting: Portuguese HCWs living in Portugal and working in the Portuguese healthcare system.

Participants: The study included 1535 professionals, with a mean age of 38 years.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures: Psychological variables were measured by Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Resilience Scale, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales and the Satisfaction with Life Scale.

Results: High levels of personal (55%; n=844), work-related (55.1%; n=846) and client-related burnout (35.4%; n=543) were found. Additionally, participants expressed substantial levels of depression (28.7%; n=441), stress (36.4%; n=558) and anxiety (33.1%; n=508). About 1202 participants (78.3%) demonstrated moderate-to-high levels of resilience. Profession, work regime during the pandemic, having a health problem, resilience and satisfaction with life are independent variables significantly associated with the outcomes of burnout, stress, depression and anxiety. Satisfaction with life was the independent variable that had a major association with all outcomes.

Conclusions: Governments and hospital administrations should take action to promote resilience and satisfaction with life as these variables are protective relating to mental health problems. Interventions as educational sessions, psychological support at work, programmes promoting resilience and coping mechanisms and better work conditions may improve mental health. The implementation of measures to protect healthcare students from developing prejudicial outcomes seams very adequate and important.

Keywords: MENTAL HEALTH; PUBLIC HEALTH; Public health.