Stress, anxiety, depression and burnout in healthcare workers during the first two outbreaks of COVID-19 in Russia

Abstract

To assess the levels of stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and risk factors in frontline healthcare workers during first two outbreaks of COVID-19 in Russia. We conducted two surveys in May and October 2020. Data of 2195 frontline healthcare workers were collected. Stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and perceived stress were assessed using the Russian versions of SAVE-9, GAD-7, PHQ-9, MBI and PSS-10 scales, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors. In May 2020 25.5% of healthcare workers had high level of anxiety, 30.4% - high level of stress. In October 2020 the rates of stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and perceived stress were 34.2%, 36.6%, 45.5%, 74.2%, 37.7%, 67.8%, respectively. Moreover, 2.4% of HCWs almost every day had suicidal thoughts. The rate of anxiety was higher in October 2020 compared with May 2020 (36.6% vs. 25.5%). The results of this study demonstrate the urgent need for supportive programs to the frontline healthcare workers fighting COVID-19 and its increasing significance over time. Such programs should mainly focus on revealed risk groups and potentially modifiable risk factors.