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Post-Traumatic Stress and Coping Strategies of South African Nurses during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Michelle C. Engelbrecht

    (Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, Faculty of The Humanities, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

  • J. Christo Heunis

    (Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, Faculty of The Humanities, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

  • N. Gladys Kigozi

    (Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, Faculty of The Humanities, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa)

Abstract

Prior to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the South African healthcare system was already under severe strain due to amongst others, a lack of human resources, poor governance and management, and an unequal distribution of resources among provinces and between the public and private healthcare sectors. At the center of these challenges are nurses, the backbone of the healthcare system, and the first point of call for most patients in the country. This research investigated post-traumatic stress and coping strategies of nurses during the second wave of COVID-19 in the country. A structured self-administered questionnaire captured the biographic characteristics, perceived risk factors for COVID-19, and views on infection control of 286 nurses Data were subjected to descriptive and binomial logistic regression analyses. More than four in every 10 nurses screened positive for higher levels of post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). Self-reported risk for contracting COVID-19 mainly centered on being a health worker and patients’ non-adherence to infection prevention guidelines. Unpreparedness to manage COVID-19 patients, poorer health, and avoidant coping were associated with PTSD. Nurses voiced a need for emotional support and empathy from managers. Emotional, psychological, and debriefing intervention sessions that focus on positive coping strategies to actively address stress are recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle C. Engelbrecht & J. Christo Heunis & N. Gladys Kigozi, 2021. "Post-Traumatic Stress and Coping Strategies of South African Nurses during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7919-:d:601997
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lourdes Luceño-Moreno & Beatriz Talavera-Velasco & Yolanda García-Albuerne & Jesús Martín-García, 2020. "Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Levels of Resilience and Burnout in Spanish Health Personnel during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-29, July.
    2. Natasha Khamisa & Brian Oldenburg & Karl Peltzer & Dragan Ilic, 2015. "Work Related Stress, Burnout, Job Satisfaction and General Health of Nurses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, January.
    3. Gabriele Giorgi & Luigi Isaia Lecca & Federico Alessio & Georgia Libera Finstad & Giorgia Bondanini & Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli & Giulio Arcangeli & Nicola Mucci, 2020. "COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-22, October.
    4. Gabriele d’Ettorre & Giancarlo Ceccarelli & Letizia Santinelli & Paolo Vassalini & Giuseppe Pietro Innocenti & Francesco Alessandri & Alexia E. Koukopoulos & Alessandro Russo & Gabriella d’Ettorre & L, 2021. "Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Healthcare Workers Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-16, January.
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    1. Glory Makhado & Busisiwe Ntuli & Lindiwe Zungu & Ntevhe Thovhogi & Peter Modupi Mphekgwana & Sogolo Lucky Lebelo & Sphiwe Madiba & Perpetua Modjadji, 2024. "The Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Era in Public Primary Health Facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-20, March.

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