Mental health assessment of Spanish healthcare workers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A cross-sectional study

• Published in: Comprehensive psychiatry 2022-01, Vol.112, p.152278-152278, Article 152278
• Main Authors: Sobregrau Sangrà, Pau, Aguiló Mir, Sira, Castro Ribeiro, Thaís, Esteban-Sepúlveda, Silvia, García Pagès, Esther, López Barbeito, Beatriz, Pomar Moya-Prats, José Luís, Pintor Pérez, Luís, Aguiló Llobet, Jordi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acute stress symptoms; Anxiety; Anxiety symptoms; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression symptoms; Depressive Disorder, Major; Female; Health Personnel; Healthcare workers; Humans; Medical personnel; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental Health; Occupational stress; Pandemics; Post traumatic stress disorder; Posttraumatic stress disorder; SARS-CoV-2; SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• ISSN: 0010-440X; 1532-8384; 1532-8384
• DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152278

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak is posing unprecedented care scenarios, increasing the psychological distress among healthcare workers while reducing the efficiency of health systems. This work evaluated the psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Spanish frontline healthcare workers of two tertiary hospitals. Healthcare workers were recruited from the medical units designated for the care of Covid-19 patients. The psychological assessment consisted of an individual, face-to-face session where gold-standard psychometric tests were administered to assess stress (VASS & PSS-10), anxiety (STAI), depression (PHQ-2) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PCL-5). Regression models were also fitted to identify predictors of psychological distress. Overall, almost 13% of healthcare workers showed severe anxiety, while more than 26% had high levels of perceived stress. More than 23% presented severe posttraumatic stress symptoms, and another 13% had PHQ-2 scores equal to or above 3, compatible with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) diagnosis, respectively. Women, stress-related medication, overworking, performing in Covid-19 wards, and substance abuse were risk factors for increased psychological distress. Instead, practising exercise reduced the burden. This study outlines the severe psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Spanish frontline healthcare workers. The stress, depression and anxiety levels found were similar to those reported in similar works but much higher than in Wuhan healthcare workers. Knowledge of risk factors for increased psychological distress may help to develop comprehensive intervention strategies to prevent, control and reduce the mental health exacerbation of healthcare workers, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of health systems in critical scenarios. •Almost 13% of healthcare workers presented severe anxiety.•The prevalence of severe posttraumatic stress symptoms was over 23%.•Nearly 13% of healthcare workers had PHQ-2 scores consistent with Major Depressive Disorder.•Women and overworking were risk factors for higher psychological distress.•The practice of physical exercise reduced the psychological burden.