Healthcare workers' distress and perceived discrimination related to COVID-19 in Colombia

Relationship between professional self-concept and perceived organizational support with family functioning in nurses in Isfahan, Iran

BACKGROUND

Vocational issues affect nurses' family functioning in long term. So the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between professional self-concept and perceived organizational support with nurses' family functioning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive correlational study conducted in hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and 250 nurses who met the inclusion criteria participated in this study. The samples were selected conveniently from December 2022 to August 2022. To collect data, Cowin's professional self-concept questionnaire, Eisenberger's perceived organizational support questionnaire, and Epstein's family function measurement were used. Data collection was done in one step and cross-sectional. Descriptive statistics and inferential methods of data analysis consisted of Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression were used. Data were analyzed with statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 22.

RESULTS

One of the six dimensions of professional self-concept consisted of staff relations significantly predicted the family function of nurses (P = .004). No significant relationship was found between perceived organizational support and nurses' family function (P = .825).

CONCLUSION

Promoting the healthcare organizations' human climate may improve nurses' wellbeing and hereby their family functioning which could further improve quality of healthcare services. It may be worthwhile to suggest supporting interpersonal and interprofessional relationships to ensure a healthy professional life for the nurses.

Exhausting care: On the collateral realities of caring in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic

We explore care as a site of multiplicity and tension. Working with the qualitative interview accounts of nineteen health care workers in Colombia, we trace a narrative of 'exhausting care' in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accounts relate exhausting care to working without break in response to extraordinary demand, heightened contagion concern, the pressures of caring in the face of anticipated death, and efforts to carry on caring in the face of constraint. We bring together the work of John Law (2010, 2011) on 'collateral realities' with Lauren Berlant's (2011) thesis of 'cruel optimism' to explore care as a site of practice in which the promise of the good can also become materialised as harm, given structural conditions. Through the reflexive narrative of 'carrying on' in the face of being 'worn down' by care, a narrative which runs through health care worker accounts, we draw attention to the collateral realities of exhausting care as personal and political, at once a practice of endurance and extraction. We argue that the exhausting care that relates to the extraordinariness of the Covid-19 pandemic also resides in the ordinariness, and slower violence, of the everyday. The cruel optimism of care is a relation in which the labour of care reproduces a harmful situation.

Burnout among public health workers in Canada: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study presents the prevalence of burnout among the Canadian public health workforce after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with work-related factors.

METHODS

Data were collected using an online survey distributed through Canadian public health associations and professional networks between November 2022 and January 2023. Burnout was measured using a modified version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Logistic regressions were used to model the relationship between burnout and work-related factors including years of work experience, redeployment to pandemic response, workplace safety and supports, and harassment. Burnout and the intention to leave or retire as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was explored using multinomial logistic regressions.

RESULTS

In 2,079 participants who completed the OLBI, the prevalence of burnout was 78.7%. Additionally, 49.1% of participants reported being harassed because of their work during the pandemic. Burnout was positively associated with years of work experience, redeployment to the pandemic response, being harassed during the pandemic, feeling unsafe in the workplace and not being offered workplace supports. Furthermore, burnout was associated with greater odds of intending to leave public health or retire earlier than anticipated.

CONCLUSION

The high levels of burnout among our large sample of Canadian public health workers and its association with work-related factors suggest that public health organizations should consider interventions that mitigate burnout and promote recovery.

Suicide, self-harm, and suicide ideation in nurses and midwives: A systematic review of prevalence, contributory factors, and interventions

BACKGROUND

Nurses have been identified as an occupational group at increased risk of suicide. This systematic review examines the prevalence of, and factors influencing, suicide and related behaviours among nurses and midwives (PROSPERO pre-registration CRD42021270297).

METHODS

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched. Articles published from 1996 onwards exploring suicidal thoughts and behaviours among nurses and midwives were included. Quality of included studies was assessed. Articles were subjected to narrative synthesis informed by suicide data examined, study design, and quality. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

A total of 100 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. Articles examining suicide exclusively among midwives were absent from the literature. Several studies confirmed that nursing professionals, especially female, are at increased risk of suicide, particularly by self-poisoning. Factors contributing to risk include psychiatric disorders, alcohol and substance misuse, physical health problems, and occupational and interpersonal difficulties. In studies of non-fatal suicidal behaviours, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, psychiatric, psychological, physical and occupational factors were contributory. There has been little investigation of interventions for prevention of suicide in nurses.

LIMITATIONS

Only articles published in English language were reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the risk of suicide in nurses. They also show a combination of factors contribute to suicide and non-fatal suicidal behaviour in nurses, with psychiatric, psychological, physical health, occupational and substance misuse (especially alcohol) problems being particularly important. The limited evidence regarding prevention measures indicates a major need to develop primary and secondary interventions for this at-risk occupational group, for example, education regarding enhancing wellbeing and safe alcohol use, alongside accessible psychological support.

Burnout Among Public Health Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of burnout experiences and factors associated with burnout among Korean health care workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

A nationwide survey was conducted in 2021, and the sample comprised 1000 public health center employees. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine the factors associated with burnout among the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived factors contributing to burnout were also analyzed using an open-ended question.

RESULTS

Personal (e.g., age, gender, and self-rated health) and work-related factors (e.g., type of job tasks and COVID-19-related discrimination experience) affected burnout among health care workers. However, organizational support, including emotional support and sufficient financial compensation, was associated with lower burnout.

CONCLUSIONS

Ensuring sufficient support and rewards for health care workers is essential to guaranteeing their well-being during the current public health crisis.

Association of COVID-19-related discrimination with subsequent depression and suicidal ideation in healthcare workers

Previous cross-sectional studies showed that COVID-19-related discrimination against healthcare workers was linked to depression. However, no study has examined the longitudinal association that allows causal interpretations. This prospective cohort study aimed to examine whether COVID-19-related discrimination at baseline is associated with depression and suicidal ideation several months later. Data were collected from October 2020 to July 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. Fixed effects models were used to control for the effect of hospitals (Level 2 variable). Adjustments also included age, sex, living alone, alcohol consumption, exercise, BMI, working hours, comorbidity, and frontline worker status (Level 1 variables). Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine if the results substantially changed and were robust to unmeasured confounding. Multiple imputation for missing data was conducted via chained equations. As the final sample, 2862 healthcare workers without depression at baseline were studied. A total of 269 individuals (9.4%) experienced COVID-19-related discrimination. Depression was suggested in 205 participants (7.2%), and suicidal ideation in 108 participants (3.8%). In the adjusted models, COVID-19-related discrimination was significantly associated with subsequent depression (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.39 to 2.90) and suicidal ideation (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.22 to 3.50). Multiple sensitivity analyses verified the results. COVID-19-related discrimination results in depression and suicidal ideation in healthcare workers. Interventions to prevent such discrimination against healthcare workers, e.g., anti-discrimination campaigns, are crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An international survey of allied health & nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives on facilitators of & barriers to care

BACKGROUND

Allied health and nursing professionals (AHNP) are integral members of transplant teams. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they were required to adapt to changes in their clinical practices. The goal of the present study was to describe AHNP perceptions concerning the impact of the pandemic on their roles, practice, and resource allocation.

METHODS

An online survey was distributed globally via email by the International Pediatric Transplant Association to AHNP at transplant centers from September to December 2020. Responses to open-ended questions were collected using an electronic database. Using a thematic analysis approach, coding was conducted by three independent coders who identified patterns in responses, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents (n = 119) were from North America (78%), with many other countries represented (e.g., the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Central and South America). Four main categories of impacts were identified: (1) workflow changes, (2) the quality of the work environment, (3) patient care, and (4) resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants indicated that the pandemic heightened existing barriers and resource challenges frequently experienced by AHNP; however, the value of team connections and opportunities afforded by technology were also highlighted. Virtual care was seen as increasing healthcare access but concerns about the quality and consistency of care were also expressed. A notable gap in participant responses was identified; the vast majority did not identify any personal challenges connected with the pandemic (e.g., caring for children while working remotely, personal stress) which likely further impacted their experiences.

COVID-19-related discrimination, PTSD symptoms, and psychological distress in healthcare workers

To date, little effort has been made to examine if frontline workers who deal with COVID-19 patients are more likely to experience discrimination than second-line workers. Also, little information has appeared on how COVID-19-related discrimination affects PTSD symptoms in healthcare workers. We aimed to examine the association between COVID-19-related discrimination and frontline worker status. We further aimed to examine how COVID-19-related discrimination was associated with PTSD symptoms and psychological distress. We studied 647 healthcare workers. For the association between COVID-19-related discrimination and frontline worker status, we conducted multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and living alone. For the association of COVID-19-related discrimination with PTSD symptoms and psychological distress, we performed multivariable regression using hierarchical adjustments for age, sex, living alone, alcohol consumption, exercise and frontline worker status. Bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap confidence intervals (CIs) were used. A total of 136 individuals worked on the frontline and the largest group were nurses (n = 81, 59.6%). Frontline workers had increased odds of COVID-19-related discrimination compared with second-line workers (odds ratio = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.37-4.96). COVID-19-related discrimination was associated with PTSD symptoms and psychological distress even at the highest level of adjustment (β = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.10-1.23; β = 2.43, 95% CI = 0.91-3.95, respectively). Frontline workers are more likely to experience COVID-19-related discrimination than second-line workers. Such discrimination may result in PTSD symptoms and psychological distress. Interventions to prevent COVID-19-related discrimination against healthcare workers, for example anti-discrimination campaigns, are important.

Development and Initial Psychometric Validation of the COVID-19 Pandemic Burden Index for Healthcare Workers

BACKGROUND

The burden of COVID-19 on healthcare workers (HCWs) is reported to be increasing, yet the psychometric scales now in use evaluate only single aspects; few measure the pandemic-specific burden on HCWs comprehensively.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a scale to quantify the physical, mental, and socioeconomic burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs.

DESIGN

Scale development and cross-sectional survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Consenting HCWs aged ≥20.

MAIN MEASURES

Development of an item-list based on literature reviews and HCW panel input, evaluation of content validity and item selection using the Delphi method, psychometric testing conducted on HCWs, validity assessment by factor analyses and hypothesis verification, internal consistency evaluation by Cronbach's alpha, test-retest analysis, and interpretability assessment.

KEY RESULTS

Through the Delphi process, a 29-item pilot scale was generated. In psychometric testing, data from 863 HCWs contributed to the development of the final version of this scale, called Pandemic Burden Index twenty for HCWs (PBI-20), a 20-item scale to measure six domains: fatigue, fear of infection, inadequacy as a medical professional, mental health concerns, prejudice or discrimination, and anxiety about one's livelihood and daily life. Factor analysis showed each factor corresponded to the six domains of this scale. Hypothesis verification showed the PBI-20 total score to be moderately to highly correlated with the Short Form 36 vitality score and mental health score and with intention of turnover. The PBI-20 had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.92). Test-retest analysis showed the intraclass correlation coefficient to be 0.70 and the minimal important change to be -7.0.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychometrically sound questionnaire we developed to measure pandemic-specific burdens for HCWs provides an understanding of comprehensive burdens on HCWs and may serve to evaluate interventions to reduce the burdens.

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review

Background

COVID-19 has caused a series of economic, social, personal, and occupational consequences that may affect the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs), with the consequent risk of developing suicidal ideation and behaviors.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify the main risk factors that may predispose HCWs to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A systematic review of studies published between January 2020 and August 2022 was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines in the following electronic databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Methodological quality was assessed using the critical appraisal tools for non-randomized studies of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The followed protocol is listed in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with code CRD42022340732.

Results

A total of 34 studies were included in this review. There are a number of underlying factors such as higher rates of depression, anxiety, pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders or previous lifetime suicide attempt, living alone, having problems with alcohol and/or other drugs, etc. that favor the emergence of suicidal tendencies and ideation in times of COVID-19. Similarly, the pandemic may have precipitated a series of factors such as economic concerns, assessing one's working conditions as poor, having family members or friends infected, changes in services or functions, and feeling discriminated against or stigmatized by society. Other factors such as age, sex, or type of healthcare worker show differences between studies.

Conclusion

Organizations should ensure the adoption of strategies and programmes for early detection of suicides as well as increased attention to the mental health of professions with a high workload.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022340732.

Use of preventive measures, beliefs and information received about COVID-19 and their effects on mental health, in two stages of the pandemic in Colombia

BACKGROUND

Several studies have highlighted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both physical and mental health. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects on mental health in two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 and February 2021) in the population of Colombia.

METHODS

Observational, prospective, cross-sectional study along two periods, April 2020 and February 2021. The sample (N = 1309) was extracted from the Colombian population, only including individuals over the age of 18 and residing in Colombia during the pandemic. The IMPACTCOVID-19 questionnaire was used, previously validated in Spain and cross-culturally adapted to the Colombian population, which included sociodemographic data, use of preventive measures, information received and the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for psychological distress (PD). Participants had to sign an informed consent before taking part in the investigation.

RESULTS

A higher level of PD was observed among women (M = 3.99, SD = 3.39) (p < .001), in those who lived without a partner (M = 3.83, SD = 3.47) (p = .036), and in those with a worse perception of health (M = 6.27, SD = 3.51) (p < .001). PD decreased in the second period from M = 3.99 (SD = 3.36) to M = 2.98 (SD = 3.30) (p < .001), coinciding with a higher use of preventive measures, less distress caused by COVID-19 and greater confidence in healthcare professionals and clinical structures. In the second period, the time spent in getting informed decreased, but the sources of information were the same, principally social media and official sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Better information on the effects and preventive measures to prevent the pandemic improves confidence in the health system and its professionals, reducing the level of PD. There is a need for quality information on social networks and an adaptation of telemedicine to address the pandemic effects on mental health.Key messagesPsychological distress (PD) decreased in February 2021, as compared to April 2020, due to a greater use of preventive measures against COVID-19, and the confidence on the recommendations made by health officials and professionals.Higher PD has been found in women and people who lived without a partner, in line with studies performed in other countries.The accessibility to quality information on the pandemic should be promoted by the Official Health Authorities, thus counteracting data that could be classified as "fake news".

The scar that takes time to heal: A systematic review of COVID-19-related stigma targets, antecedents, and outcomes

COVID-19, as a crucial public health crisis, has affected our lives in nearly every aspect. Besides its major health threats, COVID-19 brings severe secondary impacts, one of which is the rise of social stigma. Although numerous studies have examined the antecedents and outcomes of COVID-19-related stigma, we still lack a systematic understanding of who is being stigmatized during the COVID-19 pandemic, what exacerbates COVID-19-related stigma, and what impacts COVID-19-related stigma has on victims. Therefore, this review aims to provide a systematic overview of COVID-19-related stigma. With 93 papers conducted with 126,371 individuals in more than 150 countries and territories spanning five continents, we identify three targets that have received the most research: Chinese/Asian people, (suspected) patients and survivors, and healthcare workers. Furthermore, we find that for each stigma target, characteristics of the stigmatized, stigmatizer, and context contribute to COVID-19-related stigma and that this stigma negatively influences victims' health and non-health outcomes. We call for future research to provide a more integrative, balanced, and rigorous picture of COVID-19-related stigma via conducting research on neglected topics (e.g., contextual factors that contribute to stigma toward HCWs) and stigma interventions and using a longitudinal design. In practice, we urge governments and institutions (e.g., ministries of public health, hospitals) to pay close attention to stigma issues and to promote safe and inclusive societies.

Prevalence and associated factors of mental health outcomes among healthcare workers in Northern Colombia: A cross-sectional and multi-centre study

Background

Mental health outcomes in Healthcare Workers (HCWs) has been few evaluated during COVID-19 pandemic in low-and middle-income countries. Our aim was carry-out a study to identify the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms in HCWs and associated factors to severe illness in a northern region in Colombia.

Method

A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted to assess mental health outcomes in 1,149 HCWs in Colombia. The study used Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to evaluate stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, respectively.

Results

682 HCWs completed the questionnaire. The 58,21% (397/682) were nurses, 31,23% were physicians (213/682), and 10,56% (72/682) were other health professionals. The proportion of HCWs with stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were 59,97%, 44,87%, and 23,02%, respectively. HCWs in emergency room and Intensive Care Units (ICU) have 2-3-fold increase risk to have severe symptoms of stress. Staff in ICU have 64% more likely to have severe anxiety symptoms, and 97% more likely to have severe depression symptoms.

Limitations

Including HCWs only in the northern region in Colombia; a non-probabilistic sample, and a cross-sectional design to identify causality.

Conclusion

A higher proportion on mental health outcomes has been reported in HCWs in Colombia. There are work areas related with severe mental symptoms such as ICU and emergency room. Hospitals and patient-care institutions in Latin-America needs consider the mental and physical health of HCWs during outbreaks and identify health staff at-risk to implementing support strategies to mitigate adverse mental outcomes.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression symptoms in healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia

Background

Mental health outcomes in healthcare workers (HCWs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been poorly explored during COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to carry out a cross-sectional study of the prevalence of mental health symptoms in HCWs in Colombia.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-survey study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic mid-2021 including HCWs in two hospitals in Colombia. The PCL-5, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales were used to assess the prevalence of symptoms and severity of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in Colombia.

Results

From 257 surveyed respondents, 44.36% were nurses, 36.58% physicians and 19.07% other health professionals. The prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were 18.68%, 43.19%, and 26.85%, amongst HCWs. The regression model evidence a strong risk of PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in HCWs in Colombia during the second wave of COVID-19 in the middle of 2021.

Conclusions

The prevalence for several mental health symptoms in HCWs in Colombia were higher compared with the general population. HCWs are at-risk population to develop chronic symptoms and mental disorders during and after outbreaks. These results will be helpful to tailor strategies to support the physical and mental health of the HCWs in LMICs.

Portrait of Filipino healthcare workers' discrimination experiences during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

At the core of a global health crisis, healthcare workers are tasked to perform crucial and life-threatening roles. Despite the heavy-laden responsibilities amid COVID-19 pandemic, these workers are subjected to various forms of stigma and discrimination.

Objectives

The primary intent of this paper is to investigate the existence of discrimination among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Further, it aims to test the following hypotheses: (1) Discrimination experiences among Filipino healthcare workers are dependent on certain demographic characteristics; and (2) Discrimination experiences vary significantly according to the type of healthcare workers.

Methods

This exploratory study used a two-part survey questionnaire consisting of the baseline data of the respondents and an 8-point Likert-type scale to identify the different forms of discrimination experienced by Filipino healthcare workers. Data yielded by the instruments were descriptively (frequency, mean and percentage) and inferentially (Pearson R, Kendall tau, t-test, and One-Way Analysis of Variance) treated.

Results

Among the Filipino healthcare workers, the Radiologic Technologists experienced the most forms of discriminatory acts, followed by Nurses and Medical Technologists. Those who work in high-risk duty assignments experienced the most discriminatory incidents such as insulting gestures and physical/social loathing, social media bashing and offensive jokes.

Conclusion

The discrimination experienced by Filipino healthcare workers is a valuable platform for health policy interventions at the local and global levels to safeguard the physical, social and psychological well-being of healthcare workers, especially in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19-related stress in postpartum women from Argentina during the second wave in 2021: Identification of impairing and protective factors

OBJECTIVE

Postpartum women are a vulnerable population to pandemic stressors that challenge their psychological well-being. Thus, reliable and valid instruments are necessary to measure pandemic-related stress and to identify risk and protective factors. This work aimed to assess psychometric properties of the COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Stress Scale (PSS-10-C) and associations of maternal pandemic stress with demographic, reproductive and pandemic factors of Argentinian postpartum women during the second COVID-19 wave.

DESIGN

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to June 2021.

SETTING

Online recruitment of postpartum women was carried out during the second wave of COVID-19 in Argentina. This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and had the corresponding ethical approval.

PARTICIPANTS

This study was performed on 300 women, aged 18-49 years, up to 12 months postpartum in Argentina.

MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS

Stress was assessed with PSS-10-C, with a sociodemographic questionnaire being used to collect demographic, reproductive and pandemic variables. Statistical analysis included psychometric procedures, structural equation modeling, and multiple regressions. PSS-10-C was a reliable and structurally valid instrument with two subscales, with entire scale, Stress and Coping subscales scoring 17.31 (6.52), 9.70 (4.61) and 7.61 (2.77), respectively. History of mood disorders, pregnancy loss, and unhealthy child during the pandemic predisposed to increased stress (β > 0.10, p < 0.05), whereas having work and practicing breastfeeding promoted coping to face it (β < -0.13, p < 0.05). This situation was impaired by mood changes, loss of happiness, economic changes, fear of contracting COVID-19 -own or by a loved one- (β > 0.11, p < 0.05).

KEY CONCLUSIONS

The study highlighted the vulnerability of postpartum women's mental health in the pandemic context, with PSS-10-C being a useful instrument for clinicians and researchers to assess perceived stress. Targeting interventions toward women at higher risk can be highly beneficial for maternal and child health.

Relation of perceived discrimination with depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress in COVID-19 survivors

The study's objective was to study the association of perceived discrimination with depression, insomnia and post-traumatic stress in people recovered from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Santa Marta, Colombia. COVID-19 survivors were invited to participate. The authors measured perceived discrimination related to COVID-19 (COVID-19 Perceived Stigma Scale), depression (PHQ-9), insomnia (Athens Insomnia Scale), and post-traumatic stress (Brief Davidson Trauma Scale). Three hundred thirty COVID-19 survivors participated in the research; the participants were between 18 and 89 years; 61.52% were females. 32.12% of the participants reported high perceived discrimination; 49.70%, depression; 60.61%, insomnia; and 13.33% post-traumatic stress. After adjusting for age, gender, and income, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress were associated significantly with discrimination perceived by COVID-19. Perceived discrimination is a social stressor that affects the psychological well-being of people recovered from COVID-19. In the follow-up of this group of patients, it is important to consider the impact of perceived discrimination on psychological well-being.

Systematic review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal behaviour amongst health and social care workers across the world

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of healthcare and social care workers, and its potential effect on suicidal thoughts and behaviour is of particular concern.

METHODS

This systematic review identified and appraised the published literature that has reported on the impact of COVID-19 on suicidal thoughts and behaviour and self-harm amongst healthcare and social care workers worldwide up to May 31, 2021.

RESULTS

Out of 37 potentially relevant papers identified, ten met our eligibility criteria. Our review has highlighted that the impact of COVID-19 has varied as a function of setting, working relationships, occupational roles, and psychiatric comorbidities.

LIMITATIONS

There have been no completed cohort studies comparing pre- and post-pandemic suicidal thoughts and behaviours. It is possible some papers may have been missed in the search.

CONCLUSIONS

The current quality of evidence pertaining to suicidal behaviour in healthcare workers is poor, and evidence is entirely absent for those working in social care. The clinical relevance of this work is to bring attention to what evidence exists, and to encourage, in practice, proactive approaches to interventions for improving healthcare and social care worker mental health.

Ophthalmology practice during COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of Indian ophthalmologists

Purpose

To assess the ophthalmic practice pattern among ophthalmologists in India amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online questionnaire-based analysis was performed among members of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) and results were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.

Results

A total of 2253 responses were received. The majority of the participants (72.6%) were between 30 and 60 years of age and were into private practice (64.7%). During the lockdown, over one-third of participant ophthalmologists reported not attending any OPD patients, whereas a majority (64%) provided only emergency ophthalmic services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, <15% surgeries were performed compared to the pre-COVID-19 era by 81% of participants, whereas elective surgeries were performed by only 4.3%. The proportion of participants utilizing telemedicine in ophthalmology showed a two-fold rise from the pre-COVID-19 era (21.9%) to the COVID-19 pandemic (46%). Over half of the participants reported following the AIOS guidelines, reducing clinic hours, use of screening questionnaires, minimizing staff, and use of breath shield on a slit lamp as precautionary measures to reduce the exposure. Over 95% of ophthalmologists were satisfied (score > 5/10) by the AIOS guidelines for ophthalmic practice during COVID-19.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the ophthalmic care services across India with telemedicine emerging as a major rescue. The majority of practicing ophthalmologists are satisfied with guidelines provided by AIOS for ophthalmic care during the COVID-19 pandemic and have implemented the same in their setup.

Feeling Anxious Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Factors Associated With Anxiety Symptoms Among Nurses in Hong Kong

Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the burden for the medical systems around the world. In Hong Kong, the pandemic not only affects the local populations, but also the healthcare workers. Healthcare workers, especially nurses, involving in COVID-19 treatments are highly susceptible to adverse psychological outcomes (e.g., anxiety symptoms). Studies have shown that socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19-specific worries, and work settings-related variables are associated with healthcare workers' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, relevant studies for nurses in Hong Kong are limited. This study examined the psychosocial correlates of anxiety symptoms among nurses in Hong Kong.

Methods: Nurses (N = 1,510) working in hospitals and community settings were recruited through nursing associations in Hong Kong between August 8, 2020 and September 22, 2020. They were invited to complete a cross-sectional survey measuring their anxiety symptoms, sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19-specific worries, and satisfaction with work and workplace pandemic-control guidelines.

Results: 17.2% of nurses reported moderate to severe levels of anxiety symptoms. Results from hierarchical regressions found that higher COVID-19-specific worries (contracting COVID-19, family members contracting COVID-19 due to their nursing work, insufficient protective equipment at workplace) (βs ranged from 0.07 to 0.20, ps < 0.01), higher perceived stigma of being a healthcare worker (β = 0.18, p < 0.001), and lower work satisfaction (β = −0.21, p < 0.001) were associated with higher anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion: A moderate proportion of nurses in Hong Kong did report levels of anxiety symptoms amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Futures studies could focus on the contributing factors of anxiety symptoms to design for effective strategies to promote nurses' well-being during pandemic situations.