A One-Year Longitudinal Study: Changes in Depression and Anxiety in Frontline Emergency Department Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Francesca Th’ng, Kailing Adriel Rao, Lixia Ge, Desmond Mao, Hwee Nah Neo, Joseph Antonio De Molina and Eillyne Seow
Additional contact information
Francesca Th’ng: Acute & Emergency Care Department, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828, Singapore
Kailing Adriel Rao: Acute & Emergency Care Department, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828, Singapore
Lixia Ge: Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group, 3 Fusionopolis Link, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Desmond Mao: Acute & Emergency Care Department, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828, Singapore
Hwee Nah Neo: Acute & Emergency Care Department, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828, Singapore
Joseph Antonio De Molina: Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group, 3 Fusionopolis Link, Singapore 138543, Singapore
Eillyne Seow: Acute & Emergency Care Department, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Singapore 768828, Singapore

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-21

Abstract: Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) fighting COVID-19 have been associated with depression and anxiety, but there is limited data to illustrate these changes over time. We aim to quantify the changes in depression and anxiety amongst Emergency Department (ED) HCWs over one year and examine the factors associated with these changes. In this longitudinal single-centre study in Singapore, all ED HCWs were prospectively recruited face-to-face. Paper-based surveys were administered in June 2020 and June 2021. Depression and anxiety were measured using DASS-21. The results of 241 HCWs who had completed both surveys were matched. There was significant improvement in anxiety amongst all HCWs (Mean: 2020: 2.85 (±3.19) vs. 2021: 2.54 (±3.11); Median: 2020: 2 (0–4) vs. 2021: 2 (0–4), p = 0.045). HCWs living with elderly and with concerns about infection risk had higher odds of anxiety; those living with young children had lower odds of anxiety. There was significant worsening depression amongst doctors (Mean: 2020: 2.71 (±4.18) vs. 2021: 3.60 (±4.50); Median: 2020: 1 (0–3) vs. 2021: 3 (0–5), p = 0.018). HCWs ? 41 years, living with elderly and with greater concerns about workload had higher odds of depression. HCWs who perceived better workplace support and better social connectedness had lower odds of depression. In summary, our study showed significant improvement in anxiety amongst ED HCWs and significant worsening depression amongst ED doctors over one year. Age, living with elderly, and concerns about workload and infection risk were associated with higher odds of depression and anxiety.

Keywords: COVID-19; depression; anxiety; emergency department; healthcare workers; mental health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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