Risk factors for mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in ophthalmic personnel and students in USA (& Canada): a cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic poses mental health challenges to frontline healthcare workers. Eye care professionals may be especially susceptible to mental health problems due to high-risk exposures to patients. Yet, no prior research has studied mental health issues among eye care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic among eye care professionals. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among eye care professionals and students in the United States and Canada from June 23 to July 8, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 8505 eye care professionals and students received email invitations to the survey and 2134 participated. We measured mental health outcomes including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress using validated scales, as well as potential risk factors including demographic characteristics, state-level COVID-19 case counts, participants’ patient interactions, childcare responsibilities, and pre-pandemic stress levels. Linear multiple regression and logistic regression analyses were used to determine relationships between risk factors and mental health outcomes. Results We found that 38.4% of eyecare professional participants in the survey met screening threshold as probable cases of anxiety, depression, or both during the COVID-19 pandemic. Controlling for self-reported pre-pandemic stress level and state COVID-19 case daily cases, significant risk factors for depression, anxiety, and psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic included: being female, younger age, and being Black or Asian. Interestingly, we found two somewhat surprising protective factors against depression symptoms: more frequent interactions with patients and having a greater proportion of childcare responsibilities at home. Conclusions This study showed a high prevalence of mental health problems and revealed disparities in mental health among eye care personnel and students: Female, younger, Black, and Asian populations are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. These results indicate that it is critical to identify mental health issues more effectively and develop interventions among this population to address this significant and growing public health issue. The strategies and policies should be reflective of the demographic disparities in this vulnerable population.

Stress coping strategies used by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Working in pandemic conditions has been a special challenge for physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals, even though in many regions the pandemic has largely subsided and restrictions have been lifted. By doing their everyday tasks, medical professionals run the risk of losing their lives or health, which results in intense daily stress ( Pang et al, 2021 ; Giorgi et al, 2020 ; Ali et al, 2020 ). The psychological impact of COVID-19 also includes burnout affecting health care workers ( Doolittle, Anderssen & Perreaux, 2020 ).…”

COVID-19 among Black people in Canada: a scoping review

“…Four studies reported on mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black people in Canada. 38 , 47 , 50 , 51 A qualitative study found that online misinformation about COVID-19 aggravated mental health issues among Black Canadians and resulted in fear of and anger about mandatory vaccine orders. 38 Some Black community members were afraid of being stigmatized whether they received or declined the COVID-19 vaccine, which amplified their anxiety about COVID-19 and prevented them from getting vaccinated or promoting vaccination.…”

Kanpumasatsu: A superficial self-massage with a dry towel to enhance relaxation and immune functions

“…The ongoing PCC presence adds fear and burden to healthcare professionals who are already experiencing chronic stress and its adverse impact on their health. 9 , 12 …”