Mental well-being of healthcare workers in 2 hospital districts during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives:The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unseen pressure on healthcare systems in many countries, jeopardizing the mental well-being of healthcare workers. The authors aimed to assess the mental well-being of Finnish healthcare workers from 2 hospital districts (Helsinki University Hospital [HUS] and Social and Health Services in Kymenlaakso [Kymsote]) with differing COVID-19 incidence rates during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020. Material and Methods: A total number of 996 healthcare workers (HUS N = 862, Kymsote N = 134) participated in this prospectively conducted survey study during summer 2020. Symptom criteria of self-reported mental health symptoms followed ICD-10 classification, excluding duration criteria. Participants were divided into symptom categories "often/sometimes", and "rarely/never". These groups were compared to sociodemographic factors and factors related to work, workload, and well-being. Results: The degree of mental health symptoms did not differ between the 2 healthcare districts despite differing COVID-19 incidences (p = 1). The authors observed a significant relationship between self-reported diagnostic mental health symptoms and experiences of insufficient instructions for protection against COVID-19 (in HUS cohort p < 0.001), insufficient recovery from work (p < 0.001), and subjective increased workload (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The authors' results show the importance of well-planned and sufficient instructions for protection from SARS-CoV-2 for healthcare workers, indicating their need to feel safe and protected at work. The workload of healthcare workers should be carefully monitored to keep it moderate and ensure sufficient

“As protective gear began to run low, guidance on protection became looser” - Healthcare workers' perspectives on infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Given that infections among HCWs are associated with inadequate PPE and close contact with COVID-19 patients ( 20 , 24 , 25 ), it is understandable that PPE shortages are associated with higher levels of emotional distress ( 11 , 13 , 26 ), not to mention the fear of infecting loved ones. Our findings confirm the association between PPE shortages and perceived distress among HCWs ( 27 ).…”

COVID-19 impacts in Northernmost Finland

“…The pandemic was an economic challenge, resulting in dramatic financial problems for some [ 2 ], but it also burdened the capacity of the healthcare system and resources [ 4 ]. Rantanen and colleagues [ 10 ] found that these demands resulted in an experience of mental burden among healthcare workers, especially when workload was increased, there was a lack of time to recover from work, or protective COVID-19 instructions were insufficient. The new demands and changes were mentally challenging for working people [ 11 ], but also for family caregivers at home [ 12 ].…”