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The Mental Well-Being of Health Care Workers during the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Study in Poland

Author

Listed:
  • Mateusz Babicki

    (Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Ilona Szewczykowska

    (Intensive Care Unit, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas

    (Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland)

Abstract

Introduction: The current epidemiological situation has quickly led to several changes in the daily functioning of people around the world, especially among medical personnel, who in this difficult period were burdened with new professional duties, which significantly affects their mental health. Materials: This study aims to assess the mental health of health professionals at a critical point in their workload, to compare the results with those the general population, and to explore the potential determinants affecting it. The CAWI survey includes a sociodemographic section, work experience and a standardised psychometric tool (GHQ-28). Data were collected during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland (3–29 November 2020), which had the highest mortality rates and SARS-CoV-2 morbidity rates, as well as during the period of a significant increase in deaths, compared to the corresponding pre-pandemic period. Results: A total of 2150 surveys were eligible for analysis. Among them, 848 (39.4%) were active health professionals. In the analysis of the scores of the GHQ-28 scale and its sub-scales, evaluating anxiety/insomnia and somatic symptoms, medical workers scored significantly higher scores than non-medical professions ( p < 0.001). Frontline medical workers ( p < 0.001) and those who were forcibly seconded to work with COVID-19-infected patients ( p = 0.011) achieved significantly higher GHQ-28 scores. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental deterioration among health professionals, especially among those directly working with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and those who were forcibly seconded to work with such patients. To mitigate the effects of the pandemic, appropriate psychological care for medical personnel needs to be implemented.

Suggested Citation

  • Mateusz Babicki & Ilona Szewczykowska & Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas, 2021. "The Mental Well-Being of Health Care Workers during the Peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Nationwide Study in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:6101-:d:569487
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mateusz Babicki & Ilona Szewczykowska & Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas, 2021. "Mental Health in the Era of the Second Wave of SARS-CoV-2: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on an Online Survey among Online Respondents in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Tiziana Ramaci & Massimiliano Barattucci & Caterina Ledda & Venerando Rapisarda, 2020. "Social Stigma during COVID-19 and its Impact on HCWs Outcomes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-13, May.
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    1. Rute F. Meneses & Carla Barros & Helder Sousa & Ana Isabel Sani, 2024. "Risks of Ecosystems’ Degradation: Portuguese Healthcare Professionals’ Mental Health, Hope and Resilient Coping," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-16, June.

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