Multilevel Factors Affecting Healthcare Workers' Perceived Stress and Risk of Infection During COVID-19 Pandemic
Gilbert T Chua1, Keith T S Tung1, Mike Yat Wah Kwan2
1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
International Journal of Public Health
|November 8, 2021
Summary
Healthcare workers
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally.
- Healthcare workers (HCWs) faced significant psychological distress and perceived risks during the pandemic.
- Understanding factors influencing HCW stress is crucial for effective support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors influencing perceived stress and COVID-19 risk among HCWs and their families.
- To explore the relationship between HCW psychological well-being and their family dynamics.
- To assess the impact of hospital policies and prior pandemic experience on HCW stress.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online questionnaire study was conducted in Hong Kong.
- Participants included 747 HCWs from public hospitals and private dental clinics, and 245 family members.
- Data were collected between March 19 and April 5, 2020.
Main Results:
- Higher HCW stress correlated with negative family relationship changes but also with family cohesion and family members' stress.
- Satisfaction with hospital policies was linked to lower perceived stress and COVID-19 risk for HCWs and their families.
- Previous SARS frontline experience was associated with reduced perceived risk of COVID-19 contraction.
Conclusions:
- Hospital policies, prior SARS experience, and family relationships significantly impacted HCW psychological well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Addressing HCWs' needs through supportive policies is vital for mitigating stress.
- Family cohesion and support systems play a complex role in HCW stress during pandemics.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
12.8K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.8K
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
4.6K
When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
4.6K
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
3.2K
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
3.2K
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
107
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
107
01:23Types of Stressors
380
A stressor is any event, condition, or stimulus that triggers stress and causes a physical or psychological response in the body. Stressors can be categorized into three main types: catastrophes; significant life changes; and daily hassles, including social stress. Each can be detrimental to physical and mental well-being.
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
380
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
244
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
244