Covid-19 effects on the workload of Iranian healthcare workers

Abstract

Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the workload and mental health of Iranian medical staff using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and NASA -Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) Questionnaire between March and April 2020, respectively. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5th to April 5th, 2020. To evaluate the workload and mental health of participants NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 online questionnaires were distributed. Data were entered into software SPSS (Version 23) and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis. Results Health workers who encountered COVID- 19 patients, were subjected to more task load compared to those who had no contact with COVID- 19 patients at the workplace (p < 0.001). In terms of the subscale score of NASA-TLX, nurses had more scores in mental pressure, physical pressure, time pressure (temporal), and frustration compared to the other jobs (p < 0.05). Moreover, nurses had significantly more workload compared to the other jobs. Conclusions Type of job, the shift of work, educational level, and facing COVID-19 affected the score of NASA-TLX. NASA-TLX scores were higher in nursing compared to the scores of other health staff groups. The results of this study indicate that the scores of NASA-TLX and GHQ-12 among staff who had contact with COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than those who did not face COVID-19 patients. We suggested that a comprehensive assistance should be provided to support the well-being of healthcare workers especially nurses and healthcare workers who treated COVID-19 patients.

Mental Health Outcomes Amongst Health Care Workers During COVID 19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

“…A study by Mo et al ( 50 ) reported that long work hours were significantly related to stress and anxiety. An Iranian study also demonstrated that nurses faced more mental stress than other HCWs due to increased workload and shift timings ( 51 ). A systemic review of studies on COVID 19 also highlighted that little support and high workload were well-known risk factors for mental health problems among HCWs in times of crisis ( 52 ).…”

Dental Workload Reduction during First SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has hampered an impressive psychological stress on mankind, in particular the medical and dental workforce [ 17 ]. Intensive work as a health care provider is both physically and emotionally stressful [ 18 , 19 , 20 ], even though dentists do not work night shifts, they are more likely than the general population to develop depression, anxiety, somatization, or insomnia. Relevant risk factors are daily working hours, high BMI, and females, whereas age, family income, and years of working are protective factors for psychological disorders [ 20 ].…”

“…Intensive work as a health care provider is both physically and emotionally stressful [ 18 , 19 , 20 ], even though dentists do not work night shifts, they are more likely than the general population to develop depression, anxiety, somatization, or insomnia. Relevant risk factors are daily working hours, high BMI, and females, whereas age, family income, and years of working are protective factors for psychological disorders [ 20 ]. Regular intensive training for effective crisis management is required because, despite resilience and professional dedication, the intense work is physically and emotionally demanding [ 18 ].…”

Sources of Health Anxiety for Hospital Staff Working during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…As regards the psychological health of Iranian hospital staff members, higher scores for job-related stress and burnout were related to working on the frontline [ 13 ], irrespective of age, job experience, or the social support of friend and families [ 14 ]. In contrast, among frontline nurses with an average age of 40.6, higher age, higher educational degrees, and being male predicted lower stress [ 15 , 16 ]. A higher task load was associated with lower general health [ 16 ].…”

“…In contrast, among frontline nurses with an average age of 40.6, higher age, higher educational degrees, and being male predicted lower stress [ 15 , 16 ]. A higher task load was associated with lower general health [ 16 ]. In addition, frontline nurses reported anxieties related to the disease, fear of infecting their families, emotional distress related to delivering bad news, and conflicts between (dysfunctional) fears and the need to discharge a vital job [ 17 ].…”