Abstract
Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) fighting COVID-19 have been associated with depression and anxiety, but there is limited data to illustrate these changes over time. We aim to quantify the changes in depression and anxiety amongst Emergency Department (ED) HCWs over one year and examine the factors associated with these changes. In this longitudinal single-centre study in Singapore, all ED HCWs were prospectively recruited face-to-face. Paper-based surveys were administered in June 2020 and June 2021. Depression and anxiety were measured using DASS-21. The results of 241 HCWs who had completed both surveys were matched. There was significant improvement in anxiety amongst all HCWs (Mean: 2020: 2.85 (±3.19) vs. 2021: 2.54 (±3.11); Median: 2020: 2 (0–4) vs. 2021: 2 (0–4), p = 0.045). HCWs living with elderly and with concerns about infection risk had higher odds of anxiety; those living with young children had lower odds of anxiety. There was significant worsening depression amongst doctors (Mean: 2020: 2.71 (±4.18) vs. 2021: 3.60 (±4.50); Median: 2020: 1 (0–3) vs. 2021: 3 (0–5), p = 0.018). HCWs ≥ 41 years, living with elderly and with greater concerns about workload had higher odds of depression. HCWs who perceived better workplace support and better social connectedness had lower odds of depression. In summary, our study showed significant improvement in anxiety amongst ED HCWs and significant worsening depression amongst ED doctors over one year. Age, living with elderly, and concerns about workload and infection risk were associated with higher odds of depression and anxiety.
Highlights
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health outcomes (MHOs) of healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide are well-documented
Compared to 2020, there was a significant increase in number of participants with family member(s) or friend(s) who had contracted COVID-19 in 2021 (2020: n = 20 (8.3%)
Lower odds of depression and anxiety were associated with HCWs living with young children and those with better perception about workplace support and social connectedness
Summary
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health outcomes (MHOs) of healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide are well-documented. Since the start of the COVID19 pandemic more than a year ago, healthcare systems around the world continue to experience high levels of demand on all resources. With the emergence of highly resistant strains and multiple waves of infection in various countries, frontline HCWs have continued to risk infection, endure increased workloads, suffer trauma by witnessing first-hand high levels of death and morbidity, as well as deal with challenges arising from resource allocation. A large meta-analysis by Batra et al, consisting of 65 studies carried out amongst HCWs, showed that the pooled prevalence for anxiety was 34.4%, depression. A study carried out in UK and USA found that frontline HCWs had at least a threefold increased risk of reporting a positive
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
