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The Psychological and Wellbeing Impacts of Quarantine on Frontline Workers during COVID-19 and Beyond

Author

Listed:
  • Oliver S. Holmes

    (Psychosocial Oncology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Steven Ellen

    (Psychosocial Oncology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Natasha Smallwood

    (Chronic Respiratory Disease Laboratory, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia)

  • Karen Willis

    (Institute for Sport and Health, Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia)

  • Clare Delaney

    (Department of Medical Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia)

  • Leon J. Worth

    (National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia)

  • Shelley Dolan

    (Executive Team, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Lisa Dunlop

    (Clinical Governance and Strategic Projects, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Geraldine McDonald

    (Prevention and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Leila Karimi

    (Department of Psychology, School of Applied Health, RMIT University, Melbourne 3000, Australia)

  • Megan Rees

    (Respiratory, Sleep, and General Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne 3050, Australia)

  • Maria Ftanou

    (Psychosocial Oncology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
    School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia)

Abstract

Objective: The current study investigated the experiences, wellbeing impacts, and coping strategies of frontline workers who participated in “Hotels for Heroes”, an Australian voluntary hotel quarantine program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was open to those who were COVID-19 positive or exposed to COVID-19 as part of their profession. Methods: Frontline workers who had stayed in voluntary quarantine between April 2020 and March 2021 were invited to participate in a voluntary, anonymous, cross-sectional online survey including both quantitative and qualitative responses. Complete responses were collected from 106 participants, which included data on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, experiences of the Hotels for Heroes program, and validated mental health measures. Results: Mental health problems were prevalent amongst frontline workers (e.g., moderate anxiety symptoms, severe depression symptoms, and greater than usual impact of fatigue). For some, quarantine appeared to be helpful for anxiety and burnout, but quarantine also appeared to impact anxiety, depression, and PTSD negatively, and longer stays in quarantine were associated with significantly higher coronavirus anxiety and fatigue impacts. The most widely received support in quarantine was from designated program staff; however, this was reportedly accessed by less than half of the participants. Conclusions: The current study points to specific aspects of mental health care that can be applied to participants of similar voluntary quarantine programs in the future. It seems necessary to screen for psychological needs at various stages of quarantine, and to allocate appropriate care and improve its accessibility, as many participants did not utilise the routine support offered. Support should especially target disease-related anxiety, symptoms of depression and trauma, and the impacts of fatigue. Future research is needed to clarify specific phases of need throughout quarantine programs, and the barriers for participants receiving mental health supports in these contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Oliver S. Holmes & Steven Ellen & Natasha Smallwood & Karen Willis & Clare Delaney & Leon J. Worth & Shelley Dolan & Lisa Dunlop & Geraldine McDonald & Leila Karimi & Megan Rees & Maria Ftanou, 2023. "The Psychological and Wellbeing Impacts of Quarantine on Frontline Workers during COVID-19 and Beyond," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:10:p:5853-:d:1149414
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Natasha Smallwood & Amy Pascoe & Leila Karimi & Karen Willis, 2021. "Moral Distress and Perceived Community Views Are Associated with Mental Health Symptoms in Frontline Health Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Natasha Smallwood & Amy Pascoe & Leila Karimi & Marie Bismark & Karen Willis, 2021. "Occupational Disruptions during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with Healthcare Workers’ Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Lee, Sing & Chan, Lydia Y.Y. & Chau, Annie M.Y. & Kwok, Kathleen P.S. & Kleinman, Arthur, 2005. "The experience of SARS-related stigma at Amoy Gardens," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 61(9), pages 2038-2046, November.
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