Mental health status of healthcare workers at a third line tunisian hospital during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID-19(coronavirus-19 disease) pandemic, health care workers (HCWs) faced the risk of infection and distressing work to
meet health requirements. The aim of the present stud ywas to evaluate perceptions of HCWs of their security at work in COVID-19 units and their coping
strategies, at the military hospital of Tunis, during the second wave of COVID-19.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted via an auto-questionnaire on February 2021.HCWs of the military hospital of Tunis were included.
Participants were asked about their perceived security at work in COVID-19 units and their coping behaviors. Mental disorders were assessed, via
qualitative questionnaires.

Results:A total of 110 HCWs` responses were collected. Fifty-eight participants (52.7%) were females. The mean age was 33.7 years (SD 9.3). They were
doctors at 45.5% and nurses at 39.1%. HCWs declared having worked in COVID-19 units in 81.8% of cases. The participants reported their fears about
being infected in 58.2% and infecting family members in 85.5% of cases. Protective factors included information about the disease (80%), availability
of personal protective equipment (PPE) (80.9%), support from colleagues(72.7%)or superiors at work (50.9%), and ability to communicate with others
(63.6%). Depression, anxiety, and insomnia were found in respectively 25.5%, 30%, and 41.8% of HCWs. In multivariate analysis, suffering from a
traumatic distress was significantly associated with anxiety and depression (p<0.01 and, p<0.05 respectively). In addition, insomnia severity was linked
to age (p=0.05) and having colleagues infected with COVID-19 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In the present study, HCWs of the military hospital of Tunis stated having high levels of insomnia, anxiety, and depression since the early
outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. These mental disorders may have a negative impact on the quality of life of HCWs and should be enhanced by
psychological support and preventive measures.