Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress and coronavirus anxiety among hospital essential services workers in Singapore

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost all populations, with frontline workers experiencing a higher risk of mental health effects compared to other groups. Although there are several research studies focusing on the mental health effects of the pandemic on healthcare workers, there is little research about its impact on workers in outsourced hospital essential services. This study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress and coronavirus anxiety among staff working in 3 outsourced hospital essential services—housekeeping, porter service and maintenance services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among outsourced hospital essential services workers in a tertiary hospital. Data on demographics, medical history, lifestyle factors, psychosocial factors and mental well-being were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Robust logistic regression was used to determine risk factors associated with psychological distress and dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19. Results: A total of 246 hospital essential services workers participated in the study. The prevalence of psychological distress was 24.7%, and dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19 was 13.4%. Social support and workplace support were found to be independently associated with a lower risk of psychological distress, and social connectivity was associated with a lower risk of dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19. Conclusion: These findings highlight the crucial roles of communities and workplaces in combating the mental health consequences of the pandemic. Public health programmes that aim to tackle the emerging mental health crisis in hospital essential services workers should incorporate strategies to address psychosocial factors, in addition to traditional self-care approaches. Keywords: Coronavirus anxiety, COVID-19, essential services workers, mental health, psychological distress, Singapore

Psychological stressors and needs among essential workers at a Singapore hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In-depth results and discussion on the prevalence of psychological distress and anxiety are detailed in a separate paper. 25 171 responses were collected for the first open-ended question: What is your biggest burden during this pandemic? Three key domains emerged from the analysis: psychosocial (51.5%), economic (12.9%), and physical (14.6).…”

“…In-depth results and discussion on the prevalence of psychological distress and anxiety are detailed in a separate paper. 25…”

Applicability and Psychometric Comparison of the General-Population Viral Anxiety Rating Scales among Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Additionally, it has triggered panic disorders, anxiety, and depression. High prevalence of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress symptoms has been reported among the general population in various countries [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ] In addition, stress and anxiety among various population such as schoolteachers, firefighters, or public workers has also been reported [ 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”