Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Perceived Stress Scale Measures

Nuha Alwaqdani,Reem Alwaqdani,Salem Alsuwaidan,Hind A Alzoman,Barbra M Soule,Ziad A Memish,Hala A Amer,Fahad Almansour,Amal Saadallah

doi:10.1007/s44197-021-00014-4

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and of considerable concern among health care workers (HCWs). Being particularly at increased risk for exposure, HCWs worry about becoming infected as well as infecting co-workers, patients and family members. Such distress and panic may have destructive effects on individuals and may last long after the pandemic situation leading to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to measure and investigate the prevalence of the factors affecting psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs.MethodsA self-administered online survey—including perceived stress scale (PSS) questions—was disseminated among HCWs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA) between1st June and 30th July 2020.ResultsA total of 469 HCWs responded to the survey for a high response rate (93.8%). The PSS revealed that 15.8% of the respondents were suffering from high stress levels, 77.2% were suffering from moderate stress levels and 7% with low stress levels. Females and junior frontline staff reported more severe stress levels. Participation on the pandemic team shows significant impact on stress levels.ConclusionCOVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels among HCWs and affects their psychological wellbeing. Designing programs promoting HCWs mental health are crucial and emotional and psychological support strategies should be part of every public health crisis management plan.

Highlights

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a zoonotic infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1]
The Perceived Stress Scale revealed that 15.8% of the respondents were suffering from high stress levels, 77.2% were suffering from moderate stress levels and 7% with low stress levels
The factors expected to influence the stress level experienced by the health care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic studied in this research include demographic characteristics, role in pandemic management, personal experience with COVID-19 infection and underlying psychological conditions

Summary

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a zoonotic infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1]. They are enveloped, non-segmented RNA viruses that belong to the family Coronaviridae, the order Nidovirale and there are seven different strains [2]. The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and of considerable concern among health care workers (HCWs). Being at increased risk for exposure, HCWs worry about becoming infected as well as infecting co-workers, patients and family members Such distress and panic may have destructive effects on individuals and may last long after the pandemic situation leading to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Designing programs promoting HCWs mental health are crucial and emotional and psychological support strategies should be part of every public health crisis management plan

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Methods

Results

Conclusion