Psychological status of healthcare workers during the civil war and COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective Healthcare workers, particularly those working in departments that provide care for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are at a higher risk of this contagious disease than those who work in other departments. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological status of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak, which has compounded Libya's existing civil war-related problems. Methods A multi-center cross-sectional survey on depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and abuse was conducted. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among healthcare workers. Results The data of 745 eligible healthcare workers from 15 hospitals were analyzed. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were compared to the basic characteristics of the participants to determine the association. A total of 420 (56.3%) participants had depressive symptoms, while 348 (46.7%) had anxiety symptoms. Age, residency status, department, stigmatization, and living in a conflict zone were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Age, department, years of experience, working hours per week, internal displacement, stigmatization, living in a conflict zone, and verbal abuse were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Conclusion Our study presents important findings regarding depressive, anxiety symptoms, and abuse among physicians providing care during the COVID-19 outbreak and civil war in Libya. It also demonstrates several factors that can be associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in this population.

Factors Associated With Psychological Distress in Health-Care Workers During an Infectious Disease Outbreak: A Rapid Systematic Review of the Evidence

“…In a study during the H1N1 outbreak, hospital staff who were in their 20's had greater anxiety about becoming infected than did older staff ( 103 ). During COVID-19, HCW who were younger were more likely to experience higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, and acute stress compared to older HCW ( 23 , 26 – 28 , 30 , 32 , 42 , 49 , 54 , 55 , 57 , 61 , 65 , 71 , 75 , 78 , 89 , 90 , 117 , 118 , 121 , 123 , 127 , 131 , 149 , 153 , 154 ). In contrast, eight studies conducted during COVID found that HCW who were older were at greater risk of experiencing higher levels of psychological distress ( 40 , 66 , 86 , 95 , 102 , 114 , 122 , 132 ).…”

“…In HCW during the SARS outbreak, those with <10 years of experience reported higher levels of psychological distress, but not burnout or post-traumatic stress, 13–26 months after the outbreak ( 14 ). HCW who had less clinical experience were also more likely to experience stress during the COVID-19 outbreak ( 23 , 28 , 55 , 65 , 69 , 154 ). Years of clinical experience was not associated with PTSD symptoms, acute stress or anxiety, depression, mental health status, or burnout in 21 other studies ( Table 2 ).…”

Burnout Syndrome Among Hospital Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Civil War: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Additionally, the civil war has caused displacement among physicians; 32.5% of physicians have left their homes due to the conflict. This situation places more pressure on these healthcare professionals, who fear their homes being destroyed or taken over by militias (51). Finally, they have concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Anxiety amongst physicians during COVID-19: cross-sectional study in Pakistan

“…With regard to our second hypothesis, we were able to prove that greater exhaustion, greater family strain, and reduced feelings of protection impact on levels of anxiety among physicians. Other research from the developed world [29], developing countries [30], and Pakistan itself [31] corroborate that physicians are suffering from anxiety during the pandemic. Higher workload is a crisis these days across the world due to staff shortages, leading to long and stressful duties for critical patients [32].…”