Risk Perception and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Among Healthcare Workers in Primary and Secondary Healthcare Settings in Qatar: A National Study
Author | Kader, Nisha |
Author | Elhusein, Bushra |
Author | Al Abdulla, Samya |
Author | Hamza, Abdul Hakeem |
Author | Al Maslamani, Muna |
Author | Chandra, Prem |
Author | Perayil, Rasheedali |
Author | Vincent, Jojo |
Author | Gunashekaran, Josephine |
Author | Alabdulla, Majid |
Available date | 2024-03-04T03:41:16Z |
Publication Date | 2021 |
Publication Name | Journal of Primary Care and Community Health |
Resource | Scopus |
ISSN | 21501319 |
Abstract | Introduction: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, primary and secondary healthcare workers (HCWs) have faced unprecedented stress, jeopardizing their mental well-being. Aims: To compare risk perception and psychological distress between primary and secondary HCWs. Method: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted with HCWs in Qatar from April 5 to July 5, 2020. Psychological distress and risk perception were assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, a perceived COVID-19 risk questionnaire, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: Of the 4417 participating HCWs, 3421 (90.3%) felt that their job increased their risk of COVID-19 exposure, 3759 (90.9%) accepted this as part of their job, and 3440 worried that this also increased the risk of exposure to their families. Moreover, 2911 (84.8%) believed that their employer would look after their needs if they contracted COVID-19. Moderate to severe psychological distress was present in 1346 (30.5%) HCWs. Primary HCWs were less likely to experience moderate to severe psychological distress than secondary HCWs (adjusted OR, 0.48; 95% CI 0.29-0.77, P =.003). Secondary HCWs who worked in COVID-19 designated areas had greater psychological distress. Conclusions: HCWs' exposure to outbreaks has various psychological effects, which may have long-term consequences and affect their decision-making capacity. Strategies to enhance the mental well-being of HCWs exposed to COVID-19 should be introduced immediately. |
Sponsor | We would like to thank all primary and secondary healthcare staff who participated in this project. Additionally, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Medical Research Centre for their ongoing and unrestricted support. The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. |
Language | en |
Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc. |
Subject | COVID-19 primary healthcare worker psychological distress risk perception secondary healthcare worker |
Type | Article |
Volume Number | 12 |
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COVID-19 Research [799 items ]
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Medicine Research [1382 items ]