The Psychological Impact and Influencing Factors during Different Waves of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers in Central Taiwan

Teh-Kuang Sun (), Li-Chuan Chu and Chun Hui
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Teh-Kuang Sun: Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Kang Branch, Cheng Ching Hospital, Taichung City 40764, Taiwan
Li-Chuan Chu: School of Health Policy and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
Chun Hui: Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Kang Branch, Cheng Ching Hospital, Taichung City 40764, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-11

Abstract: Background: This study aims to explore differences of psychological impact and influencing factors that affected Taiwanese healthcare workers (HCW) during the first and second wave of COVID-19. Methods: a cross sectional survey of first-line HCW during November 2021 to February 2022: 270 paper questionnaires were issued and the valid response rate was 86% (231). For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression were used. Results: regardless of the wave of the pandemic, nearly 70% of HCW had anxiety, nearly 60% felt depressed, half of them suffered from insomnia, and one in three felt insufficient social support, which means a high level of loneliness. With an increased number of infected patients during the second wave, HCW felt significant changes of workload and schedule, with higher concern over risk of infection, and these factors induced higher levels of anxiety, but they manifested better satisfaction over public health policies and information provided by hospitals and governments. Changes of working schedules or duties positively relate to levels of anxiety and insomnia. The risk of infection causes anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Workplace relationships significantly relate to depression and loneliness. A negative family support causes an adverse psychological impact. Conclusions: the pandemic has a negative psychological impact on HCW. Early recognition of significant influencing factors, providing psychological support and therapy, are helpful strategies for reducing the adverse psychological effects.

Keywords: COVID-19; healthcare workers; psychological impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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