Anxiety and COVID-19 Related Stressors Among Healthcare Workers Who Performed Shift Work at Four COVID-19 Dedicated Hospitals in Korea

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Citation: JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, Vol.63(10) : 875-880, 2021-10

MeSH: Anxiety / epidemiology ; Anxiety Disorders ; COVID-19* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression ; Female ; Health Personnel ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Pandemics ; Republic of Korea / epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Shift Work Schedule*

Abstract: Objective: To assess the relationship between anxiety and shift work of healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: From four COVID-19-dedicated hospitals in Korea, 381 HCWs were analyzed to estimate anxiety in relation to four COVID-19 job stressors and the impact of shift work on this relationship. Anxiety was measured with a generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale. Multiple logistic regression models were utilized after stratification by sex, occupation, and shift work, after adjusting for a number of variables.

Results: Anxiety prevalence was 32%. Among female nurses or nursing assistants who performed shift work, anxiety risk was significantly associated with three COVID-19 related job stressors: contact with confirmed cases or patients, dealing with unpleasant patients, and discomfort from wearing protective equipment.

Conclusions: Special attention is required for mental health of HCWs working shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic.