Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Pediatric Health Care Workers Caring for Adult COVID-19 Patients in NYC

Abstract

Background: The spring COVID-19 pandemic surge overwhelmed New York City (NYC) hospitals, requiring pediatric providers to care for adults with COVID-19. Health care workers (HCW) experienced high levels of stress and trauma, raising concern for mental health impacts. This study aimed to determine the rate at which HCW reported post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and if social determinants of health (SDoH), COVID-19-associated stressors at home, and engagement in self-care behaviors were associated with PTSS.Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey study was conducted at a large tertiary care pediatric hospital in NYC five months after the initial COVID-19 surge to detect prevalence of PTSS. Secondary outcomes were adverse SDoH, COVID-related stressors, and self-care behaviors. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were performed to examine whether secondary outcomes and confounders were associated with PTSS.Outcomes: 193 HCW completed the study. The overall prevalence of PTSS was 20·2 %. Rates were higher in non-independent providers (30·6%) than independent providers (physicians, PAs, NPs; 2·7%). PTSS rates were also higher in non-white HCW and in those with dependents, > 2 adverse SDoH, high COVID-19 stressors, and low self-care in bivariate analyses. Odds of PTSS were significantly higher in non-independent providers (aOR=15·4), those who screened positive for > 2 adverse SDoH (aOR=4·0), and those with higher COVID-19 stressors (aOR=12·3).Interpretation: One in five pediatric HCW experienced PTSS five months after the COVID-19 spring surge in NYC. Interventions to connect HCW with mental health and wellness resources are critical as surges continue nationwide.Funding: N/ADeclaration of Interests: None to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board.