Multilevel Factors Affecting Healthcare Workers’ Perceived Stress and Risk of Infection During COVID-19 Pandemic

Gilbert T. Chua, Keith T. S. Tung, Mike Yat Wah Kwan, Rosa S. Wong, Celine S. L. Chui, Xue Li, Wilfred H. S. Wong, Winnie W. Y. Tso, King Wa Fu, Ko Ling Chan, Yun Kwok Wing, Eric Yu Hai Chen, Tatia Mei Chun Lee, Nirmala Rao, Godfrey C. F. Chan, Ellis K. L. Hon, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Kui Kai Lau, Marco H. K. Ho, Kirstie WongXiaoli Xiong, Shuiqing Chi, Shao-tao Tang, Paul K. H. Tam, Ian C. K. Wong, Patrick Ip

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify key factors affecting Healthcare workers (HCWs) perceived stress and risk of contracting COVID-19 among themselves and their family members during the pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire study was conducted between 19 March and April 5, 2020 in Hong Kong. HCWs from public hospitals and private dentists, and their family members participated.Results: A total of 747 HCWs and 245 family members participated. Higher perceived stress in HCWs was associated with more negative changes in family relationship (p = 0.025). The HCWs’ perceived stress, however, was positively associated with family cohesion (p = 0.033) and stress levels of family members (p < 0.001). The level of HCWs’ satisfaction toward the hospital policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak was associated with lower levels of perceived stress and risk of themselves or their family members contracting COVID-19. HCWs’ previous frontline experience of SARS was significantly associated with less perceived risk of themselves or their family members contracting COVID-19.Conclusion: Hospital policies addressing HCWs’ needs, frontline experience of SARS, and family relationship influenced psychological wellbeing of HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Original languageOthers/Unknown
Pages (from-to)8
Number of pages1
JournalInternational Journal of Public Health
Volume66
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Mar 2021

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