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Nahidi M, Mirza Hoseinzadeh Moghaddam Z, Tabesh H, Afshari Saleh L, Rohani F, Shoib S. Prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and their psychosocial correlates among medical students during COVID-19 pandemic. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2024; 39:174-180. [PMID: 37556309 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) among medical students during COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate their association with related sociodemographic features and other psychological symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, students from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences with no major exam in the preceding or following month were surveyed during April to August 2021 through stratified available sampling. Data were collected by a structured online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. OCS were assessed using Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) and COVID-related stress was evaluated using COVID Stress Scale (CSS). Overall, 347 students with a mean age of 22.67 ± 2.56 years were included in this study, of whom 30.3% had probable obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; OCI-R score ≥21). Mean CSS scores in students with and without probable OCD were 38.64 ± 19.82 and 26.72 ± 16.63, respectively ( P < 0.005). Total CSS score was significantly correlated with OCI-R score ( r = 0.38, P = 0.001). Around one-third of the medical students reported significant OCS during COVID-19 pandemic, which was associated with higher COVID-19-related stress. Further research provides insight into management of OCD and related disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Nahidi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | | | - Hamed Tabesh
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | - Lahya Afshari Saleh
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Division of Sleep Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Sheikh Shoib
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
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Metakides C, Pielemeier L, Lytras T, Mytilinaios DG, Themistocleous SC, Pieridi C, Tsioutis C, Johnson EO, Ntourakis D, Nikas IP. Burnout and motivation to study medicine among students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1214320. [PMID: 37700767 PMCID: PMC10493291 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1214320] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate medical students' burnout and motivation levels in each of the six years of their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify independent predictors of burnout and motivation. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional survey was sent to the students of all six years within our school. Burnout was measured with the adapted Oldenburg Burnout Inventory questionnaire (OLBI-S) and motivation with the updated Strength of Motivation for Medical School (SMMS-R) questionnaire. Univariate analysis was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation, while multivariable analysis with linear regression models. Results A total of 333 medical students (52% of student body) responded. Higher burnout levels correlated with lower motivation to study medicine (rho = -0.30, p < 0.001). Burnout levels differed between the six years of medical studies, peaking in years two and four whereas being the lowest in year one (p = 0.01). Motivation levels differed significantly as well, peaking in years one and four whereas being the lowest in years five and six (p = 0.012). In the multivariable linear regression models, being a female (b = 2.22, p = 0.016), studying in the fourth year vs. first year (b = 2.54, p = 0.049), having a perceived beginner/intermediate vs. advanced/expert technology level (b = 2.05, p = 0.032) and a perceived poor school support system (b = 6.35, p < 0.001) were independently associated with higher burnout levels. Furthermore, studying in the fifth year vs. first year (b = -5.17, p = 0.019) and a perceived poor school support system (b = -3.09, p = 0.01) were independently associated with a reduced motivation to study medicine. Conclusion Our study highlighted potential areas for intervention to decrease the rate of burnout and low motivation among medical students. However, further research is needed to unravel the full effect of the pandemic on medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clio Metakides
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Lena Pielemeier
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Theodore Lytras
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Chryso Pieridi
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | - Ilias P. Nikas
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Hurtado MM, Macías M, Morales-Asencio JM. A new form of checking obsessive-compulsive disorder in physicians: Another consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. A case series. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH CASE REPORTS 2023; 2:100085. [PMID: 36533208 PMCID: PMC9749375 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycr.2022.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The current article provides information that facilitates early identification of a new form of checking obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) detected in physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article describes three cases of professional checking OCD in physicians. Physicians with checking OCD are obsessively concerned about making a mistake that will result in fatal consequences. The most frequent strategies of neutralization include avoiding direct contact with patients by taking sick or vacation leaves; compulsively studying for many hours daily (neglecting other aspects of life); checking the status of their patients by arranging additional follow-up consultations or making phone calls even out of working hours; repeatedly checking the medical history of their patients, and persistently recalling the last appointment. Physicians with check OCD often seek reassurance from their colleagues and consult the scientific literature for information about issues they used to be competent in. These patients may also experience anticipatory anxiety and mental blocks. However, egodystony is milder than in other forms of OCD. The COVID pandemic may have exacerbated these neutralization behaviors, since it has forced physicians to adapt to a new work environment. The recommended treatments (Exposure with Response Prevention Therapy or/and SSRI) provide beneficial effects in a short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M Hurtado
- Mental Health Unit, Regional University Hospital, Málaga, Spain, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)
| | - María Macías
- Mental Health Unit, Regional University Hospital, Málaga, Spain
| | - José Miguel Morales-Asencio
- Universidad de Málaga, Faculty of Health Sciences, Málaga, Spain, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)
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Tuygar Okutucu F, Ceyhun HA. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic Process: A Narrative Review. Eurasian J Med 2022; 54:77-90. [PMID: 36655450 PMCID: PMC11163355 DOI: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2022.22221] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to review all empirical contributions published between March 2020 and June 2022, addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults. We searched the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. A total of 543 articles were scanned and 73 full-text articles were identified. Reviews, comments, letters to the editor, and case reports (except case series) were excluded. It was determined that 42 articles met the inclusion criteria, 6 studies involving only children and adolescents were excluded, and 36 were decided on their suitability for our study. The analysis determined that COVID-19 had an impact on obsessive-compulsive disorder. Characteristics such as liability for harm and unacceptable thoughts influenced the symptoms as well as contamination and washing. Some studies showed an increase in the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, while some reported no worsening but improvement with treatment and follow-up. While some reported variations in outcomes related to sociodemographic characteristics and subtypes, some focused on the risk of suicide. There were also studies conducted on special groups such as pregnant women or healthcare workers. The results were controversial. While available data contain more information on worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, data on the status of patients under treatment were scarce. There were not enough studies evaluating follow-up results. Influencing factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, subtypes, comorbid conditions, treatment, and support did not seem to have been adequately addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Tuygar Okutucu
- Department of Psychiatry, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Hacer Akgul Ceyhun
- Department of Psychiatry, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
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Sheikh Ali S, Kheirallah KA, Sharkas G, Al-Nusair M, Al-Mistarehi AH, Ghazo M, Zeitawi A, Bellizzi S, Ramadan M, Alsulaiman JW, Alzoubi H, Belbesi A, Allouh MZ. SARS-CoV-2 Seroepidemiological Investigation in Jordan: Seroprevalence, Herd Immunity, and Vaccination Coverage. A Population-Based National Study. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:7053-7062. [PMID: 36090704 PMCID: PMC9462546 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s371711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Population-based serosurveillance is a cornerstone to furthering our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic at the community levels. In Jordan, four waves (phases) of seroprevalence epidemiological investigations were conducted using representative population-based national samples. This study aims to estimate the population-based seropositivity, herd immunity, and vaccination coverage at the fourth wave. Methods Multistage sampling technique was implemented to recruit a nationally representative sample for the fourth wave of the seroprevalence investigation (June to August 2021). Electronically collected data utilized a questionnaire on background demographics, chronic diseases, and COVID-19 vaccination history. Also, blood samples were collected to detect the presence of total Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG using Wantai/ELISA assays. Prevalence estimates were presented using percentage and 95% Confidence Intervals (C.I.). Results There were 8821 participants included in this study, with a mean age of 31.3 years, and 61.7% were females. COVID-19 national seroprevalence and vaccination coverage estimates were 74.1% (95% C.I.: 73.1–74.9%) and 38.4% (95% C.I.: 37.1–39.6%), respectively. Among children, seroprevalence estimates were similar to unvaccinated adults. Among COVID-19 adults, 57.2% were vaccinated. Among vaccinated participants, 91.5% were seropositive, while among unvaccinated, 63.2% were seropositive. By age group, seroprevalence ranged between 53.0% and 86.9%. Seroprevalence estimates were significantly different by gender, vaccination status and dose, and residence. Conclusion The reported interplay between seropositivity and vaccination coverage estimate seems insufficient to provide herd immunity levels to combat new variants of SARS-CoV-2. Children and healthcare workers seem to be an epidemiologically influential group in spreading COVID-19. As the globe is still grappling with SARS-CoV-2 infection, national seroepidemiological evidence from Jordan calls for more focus on vaccination coverage, especially among epidemiologically vulnerable groups, to optimize herd immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Sheikh Ali
- Epidemics Management, Jordan Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khalid A Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- Correspondence: Khalid A Kheirallah, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P. O. Box: 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan, Tel +962 7 9611 9094, Email
| | - Ghazi Sharkas
- Epidemics Management, Jordan Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Al-Nusair
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mahmoud Ghazo
- Epidemics Management, Jordan Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ali Zeitawi
- Epidemics Management, Jordan Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Saverio Bellizzi
- Emergency Program, World Health Organization, Jordan Country Office, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohannad Ramadan
- Emergency Program, World Health Organization, Jordan Country Office, Amman, Jordan
| | - Jomana W Alsulaiman
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hamed Alzoubi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Mutah, Jordan
| | - Adel Belbesi
- Epidemics Management, Jordan Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Z Allouh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Mohammed Z Allouh, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P. O. Box: 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, Tel +971 3 713 7551, Email
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Yassin A, Al-Mistarehi AH, Qarqash AA, Soudah O, Karasneh RA, Al-Azzam S, Khasawneh AG, El-Salem K, Kheirallah KA, Khassawneh BY. Trends in Insomnia, Burnout, and Functional Impairment among Health Care Providers over the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2022; 18:e174501792206200. [PMID: 37274859 PMCID: PMC10156054 DOI: 10.2174/17450179-v18-e2206200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the psychological well-being and quality of life of health care providers (HCPs). Objectives This study assessed the trends in prevalence and predictors of insomnia, burnout, and functional impairment among HCPs over the first year of the pandemic. Methods An online survey was conducted one month after the pandemic's onset (onset group) and a year later (one-year group). The demographic features of participants were collected. Insomnia, burnout, and functional impairment were assessed using Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Mini-Z survey, and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), respectively. Results The onset group included 211 HCPs (mean (SD) age 34.7 (9.3) years and 73% men), while 212 HCPs participated in the one-year survey (mean (SD) age 35.9 (10.5) years and 69% men). High prevalence estimates were found in both onset and one-year groups of symptoms of insomnia (52% vs. 49%), of diagnosis of clinical insomnia (15% vs. 18%), with a high mean ISI score (8.4 vs. 8.7), but with no significant difference between the onset and one-year groups. Risk factors for clinical insomnia included age in both groups, lower income and contact level with COVID-19 patients/samples in the onset group, and lower Mini-Z scores and higher SDS scores in the one-year group. Approximately one-third of respondents reported at least one or more burnout symptoms, with a higher percentage in the one-year group (35.4%) than in the onset group (24.2%) (p=0.012). Younger age, lower monthly income, and higher ISI and SDS scores were risk factors for burnout in both groups. Greater perceived changes in social life were associated with burnout in the onset group. In contrast, higher weekly working hours, worse participants' evaluation of their institution's preparation, and more changes in workload were risk factors for burnout in the one-year group. The SDS score and its subscales scores were higher in the one-year group than in the onset group. Changes in workload and social life predicted higher SDS scores among both groups. Living with older people predicted higher SDS scores among the onset group, while contact level and estimated number of COVID-19 patients that participants engaged in during caring predicted higher SDS scores among the one-year group. ISI scores were significantly correlated with the Mini-Z scores and SDS scores in both groups, while the Mini-Z and SDS scores were significantly correlated only in the one-year group. Conclusion This study demonstrated high rates of insomnia, burnout, and functional impairment among HCPs during the pandemic. It reveals a significant rise in job burnout and functional impairment of HCPs overtime during the pandemic. Furthermore, high-risk subgroups are also highlighted for whom comprehensive psychosocial and occupational interventions might be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Yassin
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi
- Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Aref A. Qarqash
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ola Soudah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Reema A. Karasneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sayer Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Aws G. Khasawneh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid El-Salem
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid A. Kheirallah
- Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Basheer Y. Khassawneh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Yassin A, Al-Mistarehi AH, Soudah O, Karasneh R, Al-Azzam S, Qarqash AA, Khasawneh AG, Alhayk KA, Al Qawasmeh M, Kofahi RM, Bashayreh SY, El-Salem K. Trends of Prevalence Estimates and Risk Factors of Depressive Symptoms among Healthcare Workers Over one Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2022; 18:e174501792206160. [PMID: 37274865 PMCID: PMC10158079 DOI: 10.2174/17450179-v18-e2206160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 pandemic has an overwhelming psychologic burden on healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aims to investigate the changes in the prevalence, estimates, severity, and risk factors of depressive symptoms among HCWs within the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An observational e-survey collected data on HCWs' socio-demographic characteristics, occupational situation, and depressive symptoms as measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The e-survey was distributed one month after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (onset group) and again after one year (one-year group). Results A total of 422 HCWs were included (Mean (SD) age, 35.3 (9.9) years; 71.3% males), with 211 (50%) participants in each group. In the total cohort, the mean PHQ-9 score was 8.5, and 36.7% reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms with a PHQ-9 score of ≥10. Compared to the onset group, the one-year group reported a higher risk of major depressive disorder (41.7% vs. 31.8%; OR 1.538; 95%CI 1.032-2.291; p=0.034), a higher mean PHQ-9 score (9.5 (6.8) vs. 7.4 (5.3), p<0.001), and more severe depressive symptoms (p<0.005). Participants who were younger, unmarried, underwent testing for COVID-19, reported lower monthly income, did not receive special COVID-19 education, or had lower satisfaction with institutional preparedness had significantly higher depression scores and symptoms in both onset and one-year groups (p<0.05 for each category). Female gender and direct contact with COVID-19 patients or samples were significant risk factors within the onset group. Occupation as a physician, history of COVID-19 testing or infection, and perception of significant changes in work schedule or intensity were significantly associated with higher depression scores and symptoms among the one-year group. Conclusion This study sheds light on an unspoken but significant rise in prevalence estimates and severity of depressive symptoms among HCWs over a year of the COVID-19 pandemic and shows the vulnerable subgroups for whom a psychological intervention might be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Yassin
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi
- Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ola Soudah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Reema Karasneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sayer Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Aref A. Qarqash
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Aws G. Khasawneh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Kefah A. Alhayk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Majdi Al Qawasmeh
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Raid M. Kofahi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Salma Y. Bashayreh
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Khalid El-Salem
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Yassin A, Al-Mistarehi AH, El-Salem K, Karasneh RA, Al-Azzam S, Qarqash AA, Khasawneh AG, Zein Alaabdin AM, Soudah O. Prevalence Estimates and Risk Factors of Anxiety among Healthcare Workers in Jordan over One Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052615. [PMID: 35270333 PMCID: PMC8909996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the changes in prevalence estimates, severity, and risk factors of anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs) over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was distributed among HCWs using snowball sampling, collecting their socio-demographics, occupation, and anxiety symptoms as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. It was distributed one month after the pandemic’s onset in Jordan between 15 and 30 April 2020 (onset group) and after one year between 15 and 30 March 2021 (one-year group). A total of 422 HCWs were included (211 in each group). The one-year group reported a higher risk of GAD (30.8% vs. 16.6%; p = 0.001), a higher mean (SD) GAD-7 score (7.94 (5.29) vs. 6.15 (4.15); p < 0.001), and more severe symptoms (p = 0.003). Univariate analyses showed that participants who were younger, women, unmarried, had lower monthly incomes, underwent testing for COVID-19, had higher contact with COVID-19 patients, did not receive special education, and were unsatisfied with the institutional COVID-19 preparedness scored higher on the GAD-7 scale and had more severe symptoms than their counterparts in both groups. Unlike the onset group, occupation as a physician, COVID-19 infection history, and perception of remarkable changes in work were associated with higher anxiety scores and severity among the one-year group. The COVID-19 vaccine was a relative protective action. Logistic regression analyses showed that the female gender was a risk factor for developing GAD at the pandemic onset, while poor satisfaction with institutional preparedness was a significant GAD risk factor in the one-year group. Low monthly income and lack of special education were the shared risk factors for GAD in both groups. This study reveals a significant rise in anxiety among HCWs over a year of the COVID-19 pandemic and shows the vulnerable sub-groups who likely need psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Yassin
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +962-7-9731-7236
| | - Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi
- Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.-H.A.-M.); (A.M.Z.A.)
| | - Khalid El-Salem
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Reema A. Karasneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan; (R.A.K.); (O.S.)
| | - Sayer Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Aref A. Qarqash
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Aws G. Khasawneh
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Anas M. Zein Alaabdin
- Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.-H.A.-M.); (A.M.Z.A.)
| | - Ola Soudah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan; (R.A.K.); (O.S.)
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