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Psychopathological Burden among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic Compared to the Pre-Pandemic Period

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Gostoli

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Angelica D’Oronzo

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Carlotta Malaguti

    (Occupational Health Unit, Bologna University Hospital Authority St. Orsola Malpighi Polyclinic IRCCS, 40138 Bologna, Italy)

  • Francesco Guolo

    (Division of Cardiology, Bellaria Hospital, AUSL Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy)

  • Cristian Balducci

    (Department of Quality of Life Sciences, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy)

  • Regina Subach

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Vittorio Lodi

    (Occupational Health Unit, Bologna University Hospital Authority St. Orsola Malpighi Polyclinic IRCCS, 40138 Bologna, Italy)

  • Carmine Petio

    (Department of Psychiatry, Bologna University Hospital Authority St. Orsola Malpighi Polyclinic IRCCS, 40138 Bologna, Italy)

  • Chiara Rafanelli

    (Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

This retrospective observational study on hospital staff requesting an “application visit” (from 2017 to 2022) at the Occupational Medicine department aimed at comparing a “pre-COVID group” (2017–2019) with a “COVID group” (2020–2022) regarding (a) sociodemographic data (i.e., age, sex, occupation, years of employment at the hospital), (b) rate and type of psychiatric diagnoses in both groups and rate of psychiatric diagnoses per subject, and (c) rate of drug/psychotherapeutic prescriptions. Two hundred and five healthcare workers (F = 73.7%; mean age = 50.7 ± 10.33) were visited. Compared with the pre-COVID group, healthcare workers evaluated during COVID-19 were significantly younger and reported fewer years of employment at the hospital. Although rates of primary psychiatric diagnoses were similar in both samples, an increased number of psychopathologies per subject and associated treatment prescriptions in the COVID group was observed. In the COVID group, 61% had one psychiatric diagnosis, and 28% had 2+ psychiatric diagnoses, compared with 83.8% and 6.7% of pre-COVID. Furthermore, 56.2%/1.9% in pre-COVID and 73%/6% in the COVID group were prescribed drugs/psychotherapy, respectively. The findings of the present study highlighted an increase in both younger workers’ requests and psychiatric comorbidities during the pandemic, representing a burden on the Italian healthcare system. It is thus relevant to address the mental health challenges of healthcare workers accordingly.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Gostoli & Angelica D’Oronzo & Carlotta Malaguti & Francesco Guolo & Cristian Balducci & Regina Subach & Vittorio Lodi & Carmine Petio & Chiara Rafanelli, 2023. "Psychopathological Burden among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic Compared to the Pre-Pandemic Period," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(24), pages 1-13, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:24:p:7153-:d:1295693
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sara Gostoli & Laura Nicolucci & Carlotta Malaguti & Chiara Patierno & Danilo Carrozzino & Cristian Balducci & Sara Zaniboni & Vittorio Lodi & Carmine Petio & Chiara Rafanelli, 2022. "Mental Illness and Work-Related Limitations in Healthcare Workers: A Preliminary Retrospective Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Chiang, Yu-Mei & Chang, Yuhsuan, 2012. "Stress, depression, and intention to leave among nurses in different medical units: Implications for healthcare management/nursing practice," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(2), pages 149-157.
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    4. Lara Bellotti & Sara Zaniboni & Cristian Balducci & Gudela Grote, 2021. "Rapid Review on COVID-19, Work-Related Aspects, and Age Differences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-24, May.
    5. 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.
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