Georgousopoulou V, Pervanidou P, Perdikaris P, Vlachioti E, Zagana V, Kourtis G, Pavlopoulou I, Matziou V. Covid-19 pandemic? Mental health implications among nurses and Proposed interventions.
AIMS Public Health 2024;
11:273-293. [PMID:
38617410 PMCID:
PMC11007424 DOI:
10.3934/publichealth.2024014]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
With its abrupt and huge health and socio-economic consequences, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a uniquely demanding, intensely stressful, and even traumatic period. Healthcare workers (HCW), especially nurses, were exposed to mental health challenges during those challenging times.
Objectives
Review the current literature on mental health problems among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients.
Methods
This is a narrative review and critical evaluation of relevant publications.
Results
Nurses experienced higher levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, frustration, stigma, and depersonalization compared to other HCW. Factors that increased this symptomatology included concerns about infection or infection of family members, inadequate staff protective equipment, extended working hours, insufficient information, a reduced sense of security, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The factors that improved the psychopathology included a general positive attitude, job satisfaction, adequate information and education, harmonious group relationships, post-traumatic development, emotional intelligence, psychological counseling, mindfulness-based stress reduction, stable leadership, guidance, and moral and practical administrative support.
Conclusions
Recent studies clearly show that nurses, especially women, are the most vulnerable subgroup among HCW and are particularly prone to mental health impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The documented mental health vulnerability of frontline nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic requires preventive nursing management actions to increase resilience and to develop relevant defense mechanisms.
Collapse