Stress, Depression, Anxiety and Willingness to Seek Help of Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background and objective: Although the serious stage of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, the consequences are not only socio-economic but also affect the mental health of many people, in which healthcare workers tolerate the fiercest and longest-lasting consequences compared to other social groups in the community. This study aims to explore the status of healthcare workers' mental health and evaluate their capacity to effectively manage mental health issues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, it explores the relationship between depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS) scale and seeking help from healthcare workers.Methods: The study was conducted from April 2022 to August 2022, using an online survey of 638 healthcare workers working at two frontline hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was undertaken at two hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City (i.e., Cho Ray Hospital and the COVID-19 Resuscitation Hospital), facilitated through the social work departments of these hospitals.Results: The result shows that the majority of medical staff faces various mental health problems from mild to severe, with different degrees of severity, depending on the individual's psychological characteristics, gender, education level, and work position. The study also revealed a correlation between help-seeking attitudes and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. It shows that only a minority of healthcare workers have the attitude demonstrated a willingness to seek help and request assistance from psychologists when experiencing mental health issues.Conclusion: Policymakers should prioritize regular awareness campaigns during the initial phases of a pandemic to enhance motivation, knowledge, and preventative measures among healthcare workers. This approach can help identify mental health issues early and reduce the stigma of seeking support. Encouraging group psychotherapy and addressing cultural barriers in the medical field can increase trust in therapists and psychiatrists, improving overall mental well-being.