Non-Physician Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic and Association Between Work-Related Factors, Perceived Stress, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the national impact of workplace factors during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on mental health experienced by non-physician healthcare workers (HCWs).

Methods: This study consisted of an online sample of non-physician HCWs across the United States, including nurses, medical assistants, and physician assistants. The survey consisted of 93 questions, which included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CESD-10) scale, questions about COVID-19 vaccination, sources of trusted information, and questions about work environment and training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate associations.

Results: In the final sample (N = 220), (81.8%) reported receiving at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Most respondents trusted the CDC's information on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease. Several workplace-related factors that occurred during the pandemic were associated with moderate to high levels of perceived stress, fatigue, and higher risk of developing depression. In particular, concerns about exposing others, experiencing discrimination related to their jobs, and caring for patients who died from COVID-19 were associated with increased perceived stress, depression, and fatigue.

Conclusions: The importance of planning by healthcare facilities should include planning for workplace factors associated with poor mental health among all HCWs.