Depression and anxiety among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Longitudinal results over 2 years from the multicentre VOICE–EgePan study

Abstract

AbstractAimsTo examine symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety among nurses over 2 years during the pandemic and compare them to the general population.BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in mental stress among the population worldwide. Nursing staff have been identified as being under remarkable strain.DesignA multicentre prospective longitudinal study.MethodsSymptoms of depression and generalised anxiety in 507 nurses were examined at four different time points (T1: April–July 2020, T2: November 2020–January 2021, T3: May–July 2021, T4: February–May 2022). Results were compared with values of the German general population, presence of gender‐specific differences was analysed and frequencies of clinically relevant levels of depression and anxiety were determined.ResultsThroughout the study (T1–T4), a significant increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms was observed. At all four measurement time points, nurses showed significantly higher prevalence for depression and anxiety compared to the German general population. No significant gender differences were found. Frequencies for probable depression and generalised anxiety disorder among nurses were: 21.6% and 18.5% (T1), 31.4% and 29.2% (T2), 29.5% and 26.2% (T3), 33.7% and 26.4% (T4).ConclusionDuring the pandemic, symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety among nurses increased significantly and remained elevated. Their symptom levels were permanently higher than in the general population. These findings strongly suggest that the circumstances of the pandemic severely affected nurses´ mental health.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThe COVID‐19 pandemic caused a great mental strain on caregivers. This study was able to demonstrate the significant increase in depression and anxiety among nurses during the pandemic. It highlights the urgent need for prevention, screening and support systems in hospitals.Implications for the ProfessionSupportive programmes and preventive services should be developed, not least to prevent the growing shortage of nurses in the health care systems.Reporting MethodThe study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines. The STROBE checklist for cohort study was used as the reporting method.Patient ContributionFive hundred and seven nurses completed the questionnaire and provided data for analysis.Trial and Protocol RegistrationThe study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (https://drks.de/search/en) under the following ID: DRKS00021268.