Prevalence and influencing factors of suicidal ideation among doctors and nurses during the surge period of the COVID-19 pandemic in China: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background From November 2022 to February 2023, China has experienced a surge period of COVID-19 pandemic and doctors and nurses working in hospitals have suffered from serious psychological crisis because of the medical crowding, which may result in the occurrence of suicidal ideation (SI). This study aims to explore the prevalence and influencing factors of SI during this surge phase. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in China from January 5 to February 9, 2023. Data were collected by online questionnaires, with SI measured by a single item. Ordinal logistic regression analysis and stratified analyses were preformed to identify influencing factors. Results A total of 5696 doctors and nurses were retained for further analysis, with 25.28% reporting SI during the COVID-19 surge phase. Participants experiencing anxiety symptoms or supporting other departments treating COVID-19 patients were more likely to report SI. Additionally, higher levels of resilience, mindfulness, and perceived social support were protective factors against SI. Conclusion During the COVID-19 surge phase, over a quarter of doctors and nurses in China suffered from SI, which should be of great concern. Tailored interventions should be implemented to alleviate SI among doctors and nurses when new infectious diseases outbreak in the future.