Open AccessRisk Perception and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Among Healthcare Workers in Primary and Secondary Healthcare Settings in Qatar: A National Study
Author(s) -
Nisha Kader,
Bushra Elhusein,
Samya Al Abdulla,
Abdul Hakeem Hamza,
Muna Al Maslamani,
Prem Chandra,
Rasheedali Perayil,
J. L. Vincent,
Josephine Gunashekaran,
Majid Alabdulla
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of primary care and community health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.55
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 2150-1327
pISSN - 2150-1319
DOI - 10.1177/21501327211039714
Subject(s) - medicine , pandemic , distress , health care , risk perception , mental health , cross sectional study , psychological distress , perceived stress scale , environmental health , family medicine , perception , covid-19 , psychiatry , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , clinical psychology , psychology , stress (linguistics) , pathology , neuroscience , economics , economic growth , linguistics , philosophy
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.