Mental Health Disorders in Healthcare Workers Exposed to COVID-19, Mashhad, Iran: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) who are directly involved in the management of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at higher risk of psychological disorders. In this study, we evaluated the risk factors related to mental health disorders in HCWs active in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mashhad, Iran. This was a cross-sectional investigation performed between April 2020 and May 2020 at five referral centers in Mashhad, Iran. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IESR), and VAS (for fear from COVID-19) to assess depression, anxiety, insomnia, distress and fear related to COVID-19 were filled. Risk factors were evaluated by the regression model. Mean ± SD age of participants was 33.84 ± 7.03 years. Most were females (64.2%). Of 360 participants, 252 had some degree of an anxiety disorder (70%), 63.8% had depression, 55.8% had insomnia, and 72.8% had distress. Work experiences (OR: 0.94, 95% CI= 0.901-0.983, P=0.007), exposure to COVID-19 patients (OR: 2.54, 95%CI= 1.37-4.69, P<0.001), and job status (OR: 1.40, 95%CI= 1.19 -1.54, P<0.001) were significant predictors of anxiety. Age (OR: 1.15, 95% CI= 1.05-1.27, P=0.002), exposure to COVID-19 patients (OR: 1.95, 95%CI= 1.04-3.64, P=0.037), work experience (OR: 0.86, 95%CI= 0.78-0.93, P<0.001), having children (OR: 0.58, 95%CI= 0.39- 0.87, P=0.008), and being infected with COVID-19 (OR: 9.95, 95%CI= 1.92-51.64, P<0.001) were the significant independent factors for depression in participants. COVID-19 could significantly affect HCWs mental health status, specifically depression. By targeting these predictors, health policymakers can reduce the burden of psychological disorders in HCWs.