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Tired, Worried and Burned Out, but Still Resilient: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Workers in the UK during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Sofia Pappa

    (Department of Community Mental Health Services, West London NHS Trust, London UB2 4SD, UK
    Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK
    Authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Joshua Barnett

    (Department of Community Mental Health Services, West London NHS Trust, London UB2 4SD, UK
    Authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ines Berges

    (Department of Community Mental Health Services, West London NHS Trust, London UB2 4SD, UK)

  • Nikolaos Sakkas

    (Department of Adult Community Services, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, London SE2 OAS, UK)

Abstract

The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and the physical and mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs) has been substantial. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of mental health workers who provide care to a vulnerable patient population that have been particularly affected during this crisis. A total of 387 HCWs from across a large urban mental health service completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, lifestyle and work-based information and validated psychometric scales. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively; sleep problems with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS); burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); and resilience with the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine potential mediating factors. Prevalence of burnout was notable, with 52% recording moderate/severe in Emotional Exhaustion, 19.5% moderate/severe in Depersonalisation, and 55.5% low/moderate Personal Accomplishment. Over half of all respondents (52%) experienced sleep problems; the presence of depressive symptoms was a significant predictor of insomnia. An increase in potentially harmful lifestyle changes, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and overeating was also observed. However, high Resilience was reported by 70% of the samples and the importance of this is highlighted. Female gender was associated with increased levels of depression and emotional exhaustion while those with a history of mental health conditions were most at risk of affective symptoms, insomnia, and burnout. Overall, our study revealed considerable levels of psychological distress and maladaptive coping strategies but also resilience and satisfaction with organizational support provided. Findings can inform tailored interventions in order to mitigate vulnerability and prevent long-term psychological sequelae.

Suggested Citation

  • Sofia Pappa & Joshua Barnett & Ines Berges & Nikolaos Sakkas, 2021. "Tired, Worried and Burned Out, but Still Resilient: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Workers in the UK during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4457-:d:541502
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sofia Pappa & Nikolaos Athanasiou & Nikolaos Sakkas & Stavros Patrinos & Elpitha Sakka & Zafeiria Barmparessou & Stamatoula Tsikrika & Andreas Adraktas & Athanasia Pataka & Ilias Migdalis & Sofia Gida, 2021. "From Recession to Depression? Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety, Traumatic Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece: A Multi-Center, Cross-Section," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Smith, Richard D., 2006. "Responding to global infectious disease outbreaks: Lessons from SARS on the role of risk perception, communication and management," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(12), pages 3113-3123, December.
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    1. Wen Liu & Guosheng Han & Xiangzi Yan & Xuan Zhang & Guangjie Ning & Armigon Ravshanovich Akhmedov & William Cannon Hunter, 2021. "The Impact of Mental Health Status on Health Consumption of the Elderly in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Wang, Zankai & Le, Thanh Tiep, 2022. "The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on SMEs and travel agencies: The critical role of corporate social responsibility," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 46-58.
    3. Filippo Rapisarda & Martine Vallarino & Camille Brousseau-Paradis & Luigi De Benedictis & Marc Corbière & Patrizia Villotti & Elena Cavallini & Catherine Briand & Lionel Cailhol & Alain Lesage, 2022. "Workplace Factors, Burnout Signs, and Clinical Mental Health Symptoms among Mental Health Workers in Lombardy and Quebec during the First Wave of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-14, March.

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