Abstract
Background: Due to the healthcare crisis caused by COVID-19, nurses have been exposed to stressful, uncertain situations. In such situations, emotional coping strategies are especially important due to their repercussion on health. The purpose of this study is analyze the relationships between nurses’ coping strategies and health, with attention to factors related to perceived threat and/or someone close to them is COVID-19 positive. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done with a sample of 351 nurses in Spain. In addition to the questionnaire on perception of threat from COVID-19, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire, an ad hoc question asked them whether someone close to them was COVID-19 positive. Results: Perceived threat and use of negative coping strategies were related, and these strategies were related to a greater presence of somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression. Conclusions: Given the work and personal influence of coping on nurses, interventions must be designed to promote adaptive strategies.
Highlights
We proposed to analyze the relationships between the use of coping strategies and health by nurses in the context of COVID-19 with attention to related factors such as perceived threat and/or whether or not someone close to them is COVID-19 positive
When the associations between the various coping strategies and participant age were examined, negative correlations were observed for the acceptance (r = −0.11, p < 0.05), rumination (r = −0.16, p < 0.01), refocus on planning (r = −0.10, p < 0.05), positive reappraisal (r = −0.11, p < 0.05), and putting into perspective (r = −0.13, p < 0.05) strategies
The current healthcare crisis has demonstrated the importance of adaptation and coping strategies for the general population and healthcare professionals
Summary
The healthcare crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has placed healthcare services around the world at risk [1] This has been a stress test for healthcare professionals, institutions, and governments, as well as for the general population [2]. Due to the healthcare crisis caused by COVID-19, nurses have been exposed to stressful, uncertain situations. In such situations, emotional coping strategies are especially important due to their repercussion on health. The purpose of this study is analyze the relationships between nurses’ coping strategies and health, with attention to factors related to perceived threat and/or someone close to them is COVID-19 positive. Conclusions: Given the work and personal influence of coping on nurses, interventions must be designed to promote adaptive strategies
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