The Relationship of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Professional Quality of Life Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the mental health status of healthcare workers (HCWs) and to examine the relationships between depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and professional quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Method: The research was a descriptive and cross-sectional, quantitative questionnaire survey study: 450 HCWs were sampled in a tertiary health institution declared as a pandemic hospital in Giresun, Turkey between 1 June and 30 August 2021. They completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Short Form Scale (DASS-21), PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (PCL-5), and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-V) self-report measures. For the analyses, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation Analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed using the SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 21.0 programs. Results: Appreciable percentages of the HCWs reported mild or greater levels of depression (64%), anxiety (59%), stress (48%), PTSD (49%), together with elevated levels of burnout (83%), and secondary traumatic stress (STS 44%). Being a woman, young, nurse, less experienced, lower educated, lost any relative or friend, consider resigning in the COVID-19 pandemic and afraid of infecting their family were risk factors for mental health of HCWs. PTSD scores were associated with depression, anxiety and stress; burnout was associated with depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD; STS was associated with PTSD. Continued monitoring and psychological support for HCWs' mental health post-COVID is desirable.