Anxiety Among Correctional/Detention Health Professionals and Associated Risk Factors During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Abstract

Correctional health professionals are vulnerable to the negative mental health outcomes associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess anxiety symptoms in health professionals who work in correctional/detention facilities and identify associated risk factors. Data were collected from 192 health professionals from March 23 to June 30, 2021. The prevalence and degree of anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scale. Chi square, Mann-Whitney U, and Pearson's correlation were used to assess the associations among anxiety scores and demographic data, COVID-19 exposures, medical and psychological history, and isolation practices. Of the sample, 27.1% had at least moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7 score >10), which is highly suggestive of a diagnosis for GAD. Main factors associated with higher levels of anxiety included female gender, younger age, type of facility, less access to personal protective equipment, and a history of chronic medical problems. The psychological burden of COVID-19 on correctional/detention health professionals is significant, and behavioral health interventions should be considered for this unique population.