Abstract
This study aimed to explore changes in psychological responses (perceived stress, traumatic stress, stigma, coping) over time in residents, as well as their predictors. The level of perceived stress, traumatic stress, stigma, and coping responses were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, Impact of Event-Revised, Healthcare Workers Stigma Scale, and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory, respectively. We collected responses from 274 residents at baseline and 221 residents at 3 months follow-up (timepoint 2) from the National Healthcare Group (NHG) residency programs in Singapore. All residents reported lower perceived stress and lower perceived stigma compared to baseline. Use of avoidance coping was associated with all three psychological responses (perceived stress, traumatic stress, and stigma) across the two timepoints. Compared to baseline, specific factors associated with perceived stress and traumatic stress at timepoint 2 were living alone, less problem solving, and seeking social support. Residency programs should encourage active coping strategies (e.g., seeking social support, positive thinking, problem solving) among residents, and proactively identify residents who may be at higher risk of psychological sequelae due to circumstances that contribute to isolation.
Highlights
The first case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Singapore was recorded on23 January 2020
The proportion of residents deployed to National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), their levels of perceived stress, and perceived stigma were significantly different from timepoint 1
A greater proportion of residents had been, or were currently deployed to NCID. Their level of perceived stress and stigma was significantly lower than at timepoint 1, for concerns pertaining to disclosure of their identity as healthcare workers (HCWs), and concerns about public attitudes towards HCWs
Summary
The first case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Singapore was recorded on23 January 2020. In our recent review of extant studies examining COVID-19-related psychological sequelae [3], we found that healthcare workers (HCWs) reported relatively high rates of anxiety (33.0%), traumatic stress (14.6%), and stigmatization (32.6% [4]). These psychological responses to the pandemic could change over time depending on the severity and rapidity of the spread of the disease, among other factors. To the best of our knowledge, there is no published study that examines the COVID-19-related psychological sequelae over time among frontline HCWs, and especially within residents
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