How anxious were Quebec healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic? A web-based cross-sectional survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may cause significant anxiety among healthcare professionals (HCPs). COVID-19-related psychological impacts on HCPs in Western countries have received relatively little attention. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the levels of anxiety in HCPs working in the province of Quebec (Canada) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and identify factors associated with changes in anxiety scores. METHODS: An exploratory online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Quebec HCPs from April to July 2020. The Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure state anxiety among HCPs. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 426 HCPs completed the survey. Anxiety scores ranged from 20 to 75 points, with 80 being the highest possible value on the STAI scale. Being a female HCP [B = 5.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.49–9.3] and declaring having the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19 (B = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.29–6.22) were associated with increased anxiety scores. Having more years of experience was associated with decreased anxiety scores [B = –0.2, 95% CI: –0.32–(–0.08)]. CONCLUSION: Organizational strategies aimed at preventing and relieving anxiety should target junior female HCPs who express the intention to avoid caring for patients with COVID-19. Seniority could become an important criterion in selecting frontline HCPs during pandemics. Further studies are needed to comprehensively examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian HCPs and identify evidence-based coping strategies.

Gender Differences in Anxiety, Attitudes, and Fear among Nursing Undergraduates Coping with CPR Training with PPE Kit for COVID

“…This is consistent with studies in which differences between men and women have been observed in critical care residents in CPR simulation scenarios [ 39 ]; in extreme conditions, gender differences have been observed after CPR simulations, with a higher level of anxiety in women [ 28 ]. During the first wave of the COVID pandemic, an increase in anxiety in female health professionals was evidenced [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Concurrently, other studies with undergraduates have shown higher levels of trait anxiety in women [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Hidden power of affective products and environments

“…The environment in vaccination sites can be made more calming or comforting to ease people's anxiety in healthcare environments. Young and inexperienced healthcare professionals in Canada, for instance, experienced high levels of anxiety at the beginning of the pandemic [82]. One of the few applications of AD in the healthcare environment investigated the desired affective qualities of primary health care environments [83].…”