Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Perceived Stress Scale Measures

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Nuha Alwaqdani, Riyadh Dental Center; Hala A Amer, King Saud Hospital Riyadh; Reem Alwaqdani, King Saud Hospital Riyadh; Fahad AlMansour, Eradah Medical Complex; Hind A Alzoman, King Saud Hospital Riyadh; Amal Saadallah, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre; Salem Alsuwaidan, Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia; Barbra M Soule, Joint Commission Resources/Joint Commission International; Ziad Memish, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-12-01
• Publisher: Springer Nature
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2021
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s44197-021-00014-4
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 4
• Start Page: 377
• End Page: 388
• Grant/Funding Information: None
• Keywords: Health Personnel; COVID-19 pandemic; Psychological stress; COVID-19; Saudi Arabia; Humans; Pandemics; Stress, Psychological; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Healthcare workers; SARS-CoV-2
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Dentistry

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and of considerable concern among health care workers (HCWs). Being particularly at increased risk for exposure, HCWs worry about becoming infected as well as infecting co-workers, patients and family members. Such distress and panic may have destructive effects on individuals and may last long after the pandemic situation leading to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to measure and investigate the prevalence of the factors affecting psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs. Methods: A self-administered online survey—including perceived stress scale (PSS) questions—was disseminated among HCWs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA) between1st June and 30th July 2020. Results: A total of 469 HCWs responded to the survey for a high response rate (93.8%). The PSS revealed that 15.8% of the respondents were suffering from high stress levels, 77.2% were suffering from moderate stress levels and 7% with low stress levels. Females and junior frontline staff reported more severe stress levels. Participation on the pandemic team shows significant impact on stress levels. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels among HCWs and affects their psychological wellbeing. Designing programs promoting HCWs mental health are crucial and emotional and psychological support strategies should be part of every public health crisis management plan.