Work-Related Traumatic Stress Response in Nurses Employed in COVID-19 Settings

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Nurses face heightened risks of work-related traumatic stress during pandemics like COVID-19.
• Understanding these risks is crucial for developing targeted support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate correlations between work-related trauma symptoms and demographic factors, psychosocial hazards, and stress responses in nurses in Cyprus.
• To assess the prevalence of clinical work-related trauma symptoms among nurses in COVID-19 settings.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Cyprus.
• Data were collected from 233 nurses using questionnaires, including a modified Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS).
• Variables assessed included sociodemographics, psychosocial hazards, and stress responses like emotional exhaustion.

Main Results:

• 25.7% of nurses reported clinical work-related trauma symptoms (STSS-M > 55).
• Significant positive associations were found between trauma symptoms and emotional exhaustion, and distress from social avoidance due to COVID-19 work.
• Trauma symptoms showed a negative association with satisfaction from organizational support (all p < 0.002).

Conclusions:

• Working in COVID-19 settings is psychologically traumatic for nurses.
• Interventions should address emotional exhaustion and social distress.
• Healthcare systems must implement robust supportive measures for frontline staff, irrespective of national COVID-19 burden.