Mental Health Changes in Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

Abstract

This study provides an overview of research findings on long-term effects on healthcare workers mental health and factors associated with positive or negative changes. Medline and PubMed databases were searched for observational longitudinal studies and 18 papers were included in the review (PROSPERO: CRD42021260307). 12 articles indicated negative changes over time and six studies revealed a positive trend in a variety of mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, insomnia, and others). Female sex, younger age, nursing occupation, frontline work, longer working hours and concerns about contracting COVID-19 were identified to be associated with negative changes. Conversely, a supportive environment, access to psychological resources, provision of sufficient personal protective equipment and availability of COVID-19 tests were linked to positive changes. Therefore, our findings can assist governmental and institutional authorities with effective interventions to improve psychological care for healthcare workers.

Excess risk of Covid-19 infection and mental distress in healthcare workers during successive pandemic waves. Analysis of matched cohorts of healthcare workers and community referents in Alberta, Canada

“…In Australia a study following HCWs from May 2021 to June 2022 found a deterioration in MH [17] while one from Italy for much the same period found MH improvements [18]. A systematic review that included 18 longitudinal studies of mental health in HCWs during the pandemic concluded that 12 studies suggested deterioration over time and 6 improvement, attributing the ‘remarkable variation’ to use of different instruments for measuring MH [10].…”

“…It is unclear whether this reflected improved workplace infection prevention and control practices, vaccination or a combination of these factors. Further, although there is little doubt that living and working through the pandemic was stressful for the population as a whole [7] and for HCWs [8] [9], this again seems to have reduced as the pandemic progressed, although results from longitudinal studies of HCWs are inconsistent [10]. There are rather few studies directly comparing infection rates [11] or mental health (MH) [12] [13] in HCWs with those in the general population.…”

“Who Else If Not Us”: An Exploratory-Descriptive Qualitative Study of Kazakhstani Frontline Professionals’ Experience and Perceptions During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

“…While participants in our longitudinal study initially reported negative effects on their mental health and work environments, at the study's end, their stories reflected acceptance, resignation, and resilience in the face of difficulties. Umbetkulova et al (2023) reviewed studies on the mental health consequences of the pandemic on healthcare workers (HCWs). Long-term impacts of pandemics on HCWs' mental health symptoms were found to be inconsistent; however, the review did reveal a wide variety of relationships between risk and resilience factors and changes in HCWs' psychological well-being over time.…”

“…Umbetkulova et al (2023) reviewed studies on the mental health consequences of the pandemic on healthcare workers (HCWs). Long-term impacts of pandemics on HCWs’ mental health symptoms were found to be inconsistent; however, the review did reveal a wide variety of relationships between risk and resilience factors and changes in HCWs’ psychological well-being over time.…”

Academic clinician frontline-worker wellbeing and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic experience: Were there gender differences?

“…The COVID-19 pandemic created psychological and physical stress on healthcare workers ( Salari et al, 2023 Jan , Umbetkulova et al, 2023 May , Koontalay et al, 2021 Oct ), but this experience likely varied depending on responsibilities and exposure. During the pandemic, one third of healthcare workers experienced symptoms of anxiety, with just under a third reporting depressive symptoms, and a quarter reporting sleep problems.…”