Severity of Depression and Anxiety, and Quality of Sleep And Life in Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an adverse effect on healthcare workers (HCWs), both physically and mentally, due to the increased workload. The present study evaluates the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the level of depression and anxiety, and on quality of sleep and life among HCWs. In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was used to garner data on mental health parameters and quality of sleep in HCWs and non-HCWs. The participants were evaluated with the “Patient Health Questionnaire-9” (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, the “Beck Anxiety Inventory” (BAI) for anxiety symptoms, the “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index” (PSQI) for sleep quality and the “Professional Quality of Life” (ProQol) scale for quality of life. Included in the study were 543 respondents, comprising 335 HCWs and 208 non-HCWs. The PHQ-9, BAI and PSQI scores were found to be significantly higher in the HCWs than in the non-HCWs. Among the HCW, the PHQ-9, BAI, PSQI and ProQol-compassion satisfaction scores were significantly higher for nurses than for physicians; the BAI, PSQI and ProQol-burnout scores of the nurses were higher than those of non-medical hospital personnel; and the BAI scores of the allied healthcare professionals were higher than those of physicians. The study found HCWs, especially nurses, to be more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic than the public in terms of mental health and sleep quality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological support programs should be provided for HCWs to ensure the maintenance of quality of life among these key personnel.