Mental Health Disorders in Healthcare Workers Exposed to COVID-19, Mashhad, Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) who are directly involved in the management of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at higher risk of psychological disorders. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the risk factors related to mental health disorders in HCWs active in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional investigation performed between April 2020 and May 2020 at five referral centers in Mashhad, Iran. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IESR), and VAS (for fear from COVID-19) to assess depression, anxiety, insomnia, distress and fear related to COVID-19 were filled. Risk factors were evaluated by the regression model. Results: Mean ± SD age of participants was 33.84 ± 7.03 years. Most were females (64.2%). Of 360 participants, 252 had some degree of an anxiety disorder (70%), 63.8% had depression, 55.8% had insomnia, and 72.8% had distress. Work experiences (OR: 0.94, 95% CI = 0.901- 0.983, p = 0.007), exposure to COVID-19 patients (OR: 2.54, 95% CI = 1.37-4.69, p < 0.001), and job status (OR: 1.40, 95% CI = 1.19 -1.54, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of anxiety. Age (OR: 1.15, 95% CI = 1.05-1.27, p = 0.002), exposure to COVID-19 patients (OR: 1.95, 95% CI = 1.04-3.64, p = 0.037), work experience (OR: 0.86, 95% CI = 0.78-0.93, p < 0.001), having children (OR: 0.58, 95% CI = 0.39- 0.87, p = 0.008), and being infected with COVID-19 (OR: 9.95, 95% CI = 1.92-51.64, p < 0.001) were the significant independent factors for depression in participants. Conclusion: COVID-19 could significantly affect HCWs mental health status, specifically depression. By targeting these predictors, health policymakers can reduce the burden of psychological disorders in HCWs.