Perceived Stress, Stigma, Traumatic Stress Levels and Coping Responses amongst Residents in Training across Multiple Specialties during COVID-19 Pandemic—A Longitudinal Study

Qian Hui Chew, Faith Li-Ann Chia, Wee Khoon Ng, Wan Cheong Ivan Lee, Pei Lin Lynnette Tan, Chen Seong Wong, Ser Hon Puah, Vishalkumar G. Shelat, Ee-Jin Darren Seah, Cheong Wei Terence Huey, Eng Joo Phua and Kang Sim
Additional contact information
Qian Hui Chew: Department of Research, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore
Faith Li-Ann Chia: National Healthcare Group Residency, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Wee Khoon Ng: National Healthcare Group Internal Medicine Residency Program, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Wan Cheong Ivan Lee: National Healthcare Group Education Office, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Pei Lin Lynnette Tan: Department of Psychiatry, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Singapore
Chen Seong Wong: National Healthcare Group Infectious Diseases Residency Program, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Ser Hon Puah: National Healthcare Group Respiratory Medicine Residency Program, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Vishalkumar G. Shelat: National Healthcare Group Post-Graduate Year 1 Training Program, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Ee-Jin Darren Seah: National Healthcare Group Family Medicine Residency Program, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Cheong Wei Terence Huey: Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore 308433, Singapore
Eng Joo Phua: National Healthcare Group Residency, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Kang Sim: National Healthcare Group National Psychiatry Residency Program, Singapore 138543, Singapore

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-13

Abstract: This study aimed to explore changes in psychological responses (perceived stress, traumatic stress, stigma, coping) over time in residents, as well as their predictors. The level of perceived stress, traumatic stress, stigma, and coping responses were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, Impact of Event-Revised, Healthcare Workers Stigma Scale, and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory, respectively. We collected responses from 274 residents at baseline and 221 residents at 3 months follow-up (timepoint 2) from the National Healthcare Group (NHG) residency programs in Singapore. All residents reported lower perceived stress and lower perceived stigma compared to baseline. Use of avoidance coping was associated with all three psychological responses (perceived stress, traumatic stress, and stigma) across the two timepoints. Compared to baseline, specific factors associated with perceived stress and traumatic stress at timepoint 2 were living alone, less problem solving, and seeking social support. Residency programs should encourage active coping strategies (e.g., seeking social support, positive thinking, problem solving) among residents, and proactively identify residents who may be at higher risk of psychological sequelae due to circumstances that contribute to isolation.

Keywords: COVID-19; residency; psychological responses; healthcare workers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (14)

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