Evaluation of anxiety, depression, aggression, and life satisfaction of nurses working with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-infected patients

Abstract

Background: Negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and aggression are among the factors that influence the level of perceived life satisfaction. Life satisfaction is related to physical and mental health and is an important component of human functioning. Nurses are particularly vulnerable to negative emotions due to their high-risk occupation and contact with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected individuals. Aim of the study: The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between life satisfaction and levels of anxiety, depression, and aggression among nurses working with patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study interviewed 110 individuals employed in two medical institutions in Opole and Lower Silesia Voivodeships between September and December 2021. Interviews were conducted using two standardized questionnaires, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Modified Version (HADS-M) and the Satisfaction with Life Survey (SWLS). Results: Analysis revealed that 26.3% (n = 29) of nurses working with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients had marked anxiety symptoms, whereas 5.5% (n = 6) of respondents had depressive disorders. There was no association between age and levels of anxiety (p = 0.153) or depression (p = 0.867), although the workplace had a significant effect on the severity of anxiety (p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (p = 0.019). Most respondents (66.4%, n = 73) described their life satisfaction as average. However, borderline depressive symptoms significantly impacted levels of perceived life satisfaction (p = 0.031). Conclusions: Nurses working in coronavirus disease (COVID) wards were more likely to show anxiety symptoms than signs of depression, while borderline depressive symptoms were more prevalent in those with low life satisfaction. Age and marital status did not affect the severity of anxiety or depression among respondents. These findings provide the basis for a deeper exploration of the issues and highlight the increasing need for more professional support.