Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to compare prevalence and risk factors of somatization (SOM) between health care workers and non-health care workers during COVID-19 outbreak in China.MethodsFrom 14 February to 29 March 2020, an online survey was performed in both 605 health care workers and 1151 non-health care workers. Based on the somatization dimension score of the Symptom Checklist-90, participants were divided into non-SOM group and SOM group.ResultsHealth care workers had higher prevalence rate of SOM (p < 0.001) than non-health care workers, with an OR of 1.70 (95% CI, 1.22–2.36, p = 0.002). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that in non-health care workers, the risk factors of SOM included other ethnicities, insomnia, and suicide, while in health care workers, the risk factors included working 6–8 h per day, and working ≥10 h per day during COVID-19 outbreak.ConclusionsOur research suggests that both non-health care workers and health care workers have a relatively high prevalence of somatization. However, the related factors for somatization in both groups are significantly different, showing that medical service-related factors are associated with somatization in health care workers, while demographic and clinical factors are associated with somatization in non-health care workers.
Highlights
This study aimed to compare prevalence and risk factors of somatization (SOM) between health care workers and non-health care workers during COVID-19 outbreak in China
The prevalence rate of SOM in health care workers was 9.59%, which was significantly higher than that in non-health care workers (5.45%), with an OR of 1.70 (95% confidence interval: 1.22–2.36; χ2 = 9.80, df = 1, p = 0.002)
After controlling for the sociodemographic confounders, such as gender, age, ethnicity, education, marital status, living situation and body mass index (BMI), logistic regression analysis showed that there was still a significant difference, with an adjusted OR of 1.66
Summary
This study aimed to compare prevalence and risk factors of somatization (SOM) between health care workers and non-health care workers during COVID-19 outbreak in China. To efficiently control the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chinese government launched the Public Health Emergency Response (level I) in mainland China on January 29 [3], which means that some practical measures have been implemented, including partial blockades in most. Song et al BMC Psychiatry (2021) 21:276 cities, community lockdown, cancelation of activities, suspension of most means of transportion, and prohibition of unnecessary gatherings [2, 4, 5]. These measures are aimed at reducing the probability of transmission between infected and uninfected persons [6]. The distress may be exacerbated when people are unable to participate in daily activities for a long time [10]
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