MENTAL HEALTH AMONG HOSPITAL STAFF DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN A THAI UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the magnitude of mental health outcomes and its associated factors among hospital staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in a Thai university hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among hospital staff in a Thai university hospital. Data were collected in May 2020 using online questionnaires, comprising of questions pertaining to demographic, self- perceptions of COVID-19 exposure and prevention, and numeric rating scales for fear of and worry about COVID-19. We also included 3 additional measures, which were Stress Test-5, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Polytomous logistic regression and logistic regression were used to analyse the associated factors. Results: Of the 1592 participants, 1242 (78.0%) were medical staff and 350 (22.0%) were non-medical staff. Most participants (54.1%) perceived that they had a moderate possibility of exposure to COVID-19. However, 57.5% of them perceived themselves as having a high ability to prevent contracting COVID-19. A total of 46.7% and 73.9% showed moderate fear and worry, respectively. Nonetheless, 86.0% and 77.7% of the participants reported mild stress and anxiety, correspondingly. Furthermore, most participants (86.6%) did not have or had minimal depression. Being female, having physical illnesses, and moderate to high self-perception of COVID-19 exposure were determined as risk factors for severe mental health outcomes. Conversely, higher income was a protective factor of severe mental health outcomes. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental wellbeing of hospital staff should be of concern. Therefore, evaluating mental health outcomes would be one of all evidence to promote mental wellbeing.