Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic can not only affect physical health, but also mental health, resulting in sleep problems, depression, and traumatic stress. Our research investigates the level of posttraumatic stress, perceived social support, opinions on positive and negative consequences of the pandemic, sense of security and sense of meaning among nurses in the face of this new and not fully understood global epidemiological phenomenon. For this purpose, computer-assisted web interviews were conducted between May 1 and May 15, 2020. Participating nurses completed the following research tools: The Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CIOQ), The Safety Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) and The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Three hundred and twenty-five nurses of an average age of 39.18 ± 11.16 years and working throughout Poland joined the study. The average overall IES-R score in the study group was 1.78 ± 0.65. Among the dimensions of traumatic stress, the highest score was obtained in the “avoidance” dimension was 1.86 ± 0.73. Amongst participating nurses, the highest support rates were provided by significant others (22.58 ± 5.22). Higher average scores were noted among participants in the subscale measuring positive psychological changes (18.56 ± 4.04). The mean MLQ score was 5.33 ± 0.87. A slightly higher result was observed in the subscale “presence” (5.35 ± 1.14). The results of the research implemented during the period of severe psychological pressure associated with the COVID-19 pandemic provided information on symptoms of traumatic stress in the examined group of nurses. Their sense of security has been lowered and accompanied by an intensified reflection on issues concerning security. However, their current sense of meaning in life remains higher than the tendency to searching for it. The surveyed nurses received individual support mostly from significant others (i.e., other than family and friends). They see positive changes resulting from painful experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be characterized by adaptation in the form of post-traumatic growth.
Highlights
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease with a long incubation period caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) [1]
67.38% (n = 219), confirmed that they had received training on the COVID-19 epidemic. 46.46% (n = 151) of the surveyed nurses admitted that they nursed a patient diagnosed with
The study aimed to present the preliminary results in terms of assessing the level of traumatic stress, received social support, the sense of positive and negative consequences of the epidemic, experiencing safety and sense of life in the group of nurses in Poland in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease with a long incubation period caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) [1]. The virus has spread rapidly inside and outside China, becoming a global health emergency [4]. In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, state authorities have adopted several drastic civil protection measures, including closing the state’s borders. Those measures include: obligatory 14-day quarantine for people returning from abroad, working remotely, suspension of face-to-face teaching at schools and universities, limiting the number of people simultaneously present in shops, limiting the number of attendees in churches, the obligation to cover the nose and mouth and closure of some service providers (i.e., hairdressers, beauticians, etc.) and cultural venues (i.e., cinemas, theaters, exhibitions, etc.).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
