Psychological Readiness to Normalization Process and Burnout Level of Healthcare Workers of Pediatric Clinic After Three Months of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: Since December 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly worldwide within months and caused stress and anxiety both in public and healthcare workers (HCWs). This study was conducted to determine psychologic effect of COVID-19 outbreak on and burnout level among HCWs of Pediatric Clinic while entering normalization process of pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out between June 10, 2020 and June 15, 2020 with participation of 261 HCWs. Questionnaire about demographic data, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were self-reported by the participants. Results: The mean age of participants was 29±9,88 years, 78.9% of them was female, 33% were physicians, 40.2% were nurses. In general, psychological outcomes of the participations were determined as depressive symptoms in 143 (54.8%), anxiety in 129 (49.4%), and stress in 87 (33.3%). Being female, having direct contact with COVID-19 patients increased the risk for anxiety, depression, stress, and psychological inflexibility. Younger age, less work experience, and longer working hours had a significant correlation with burnout as well as a its significant correlation with depression, anxiety, stress, psychological inflexibility. In multiple regression analysis psychological inflexibility, stress levels and working hours showed significant predictive effect on burnout. And also, predictive effects of psychological parameters on burnout were found more stronger than the environmental parameters. Conclusions: Psychological factors showed a stronger relationship with burnout scores compared to environmental factors. Even so, organizational strategies like limiting working hours, and doing a fair shift for HCWs who work on the front line and have direct contact with COVID-19 patients will help to reduce the psychological pressure on HCWs.