Evaluation of burnout and other psychological aspects in medical staff working in the Covid-19 ward and comparison with non-Covid-19 wards

Abstract

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on staff, and many are suffering from mental disorders and burnout. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate burnout and other psychological aspects in medical staff working in the Covid-19 ward and comparison with non-Covid-19 wards. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from 10 December 2020 to 16 April 2021 in the province of Qazvin. A total of 384 respondents (187 people in Covid-19 wards and 197 people in non- Covid-19 wards) were selected to participate in the study using the convenience sample method. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) were distributed online to all participants. Moreover, sociodemographic data and occupational conditions were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Medical staff working in Covid-19 wards had significantly higher GHQ scores compared to non-Covid-19 wards (29.82 ± 11.07 vs. 25.76 ± 11.83, p <.001, respectively). Risk factors associated with GHQ included jobs of nurses, physicians, and more shifts (p <.05). In terms of burnout subscales, the medical staff working in Covid-19 wards had significantly more depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and lower individual performance (p <0.05). Risk factors associated with the burnout subscales included the female gender, being a nurse, being a physician, having children, confirming an infection, and changing jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic (p <0.05). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that individual variables, along with the prevalence of Covid-19, can affect the psychological consequences of the medical staff and be considered as a risk factor for each of them.