Dublin hospital workers’ mental health during the peak of Ireland’s COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Irish journal of medical science 2023-06, Vol.192 (3), p.1293-1302
• Main Authors: Brady, Conan, Fenton, Caoimhe, Loughran, Orlaith, Hayes, Blánaid, Hennessy, Martina, Higgins, Agnes, McLoughlin, Declan M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19 - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Medicine; General Practice; Health Personnel; Hospitals; Humans; Internal Medicine; Ireland - epidemiology; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental Health; Original; Original Article; Pandemics
• ISSN: 0021-1265; 1863-4362
• DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-03056-0

Background Hospital-based healthcare workers have experienced significant psychological stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim To evaluate the mental health of hospital workers during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dublin, Ireland. Methods Cross-sectional anonymous online survey of hospital workers ( n  = 377; 181 doctors (48.0%), 166 nurses (44.0%), 30 radiographers (8.0%)), collecting demographic information, COVID-19 exposure history and mental health measures. Results There were significant differences between profession groups in gender, experience, COVID-19 infection history, exposure to COVID-19 positive acquaintances, and work areas. Moderate-severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were found in 45.1% (95% CI 40.1–50.1%) of all participants; significantly fewer doctors reported moderate-severe PTSD symptoms (26%; 95% CI 22–36%). A World Health Organisation-5 Wellbeing Index (WHO-5) score ≤ 32, indicating low mood, was reported by 52% (95% CI 47–57%) of participants; significantly fewer doctors reported low mood (46%; 95% CI 39–53%). One-week suicidal ideation and planning were reported respectively by 13% (95% CI 10–16%) and 5% (95% CI 3–7%) of participants with no between-group differences. Doctors reported significantly less moral injury than other groups. There were no significant between-group differences regarding coping styles. Work ability was insufficient in 39% (95% CI 34–44%) of staff; no between-group differences. Conclusions Dublin hospital workers reported high levels of PTSD symptoms, mood disturbance, and moral injury during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerning levels of suicidal ideation and planning existed in this cohort. Differences in degrees of post-traumatic stress, moral injury, and wellbeing were found between profession groups, which should be considered when planning any supports.