Sleep and emotional disturbances among the health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis facing the health system. Such widespread pandemics are associated with adverse mental health consequences, especially on the medical team. Aims This study aims to screen for emotional disturbances, sleep change, and stigma among Egyptian health care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted that included 621 HCWs in lower Egypt using an online questionnaire that included data about demographic characteristics, medical history, and lifestyle practices of participants. Hamilton anxiety and depression rating scales and insomnia severity index were used. The prevalence of anxiety among studied HCWs was 62%, and more than a half (57.6%) had a form of sleeping disorder. Regarding depression, 41.1% were mildly depressed, 7.6% moderately depressed, and only five of them were severely depressed. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that females, history of psychiatric illness, sense of stigma, affection of close relative or friend, and lack of exercise practicing were significantly associated with higher prevalence of anxiety and depression. Conclusion Supporting mental health of HCWs should be considered in updating the Egyptian response plan to COVID-19 epidemic and on planning response of future events.