The different impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health of distinct health care worker categories

J Health Psychol. 2023 Apr;28(5):434-449. doi: 10.1177/13591053221120968. Epub 2022 Sep 15.

Abstract

The present study sought to explore the factors associated with the odds of having probable depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to traumatic COVID-19 experiences and their impact on health care workers in distinct categories. In this cross-sectional study, 1843 health care workers (nurses, nurse technicians, physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare workers) were recruited via convenience sampling. A survey was administered to obtain information regarding sociodemographic, occupational, and mental health status. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used for the analyses. Being a nurse technician was associated with an odds ratio of 1.76 for probable PTSD. No relation was observed between health care worker categories and the odds of probable depression. Additionally, being female and not receiving adequate PPE were related to greater odds of having probable PTSD and depression.

Keywords: COVID-19; depression; health care workers; mental health; posttraumatic stress disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology