Psychological Status of Medical Staff in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospitals during the Omicron Pandemic Outbreak in China

Abstract

Background. Medical staff in China faced great challenges and psychological and physiological changes of varying degrees during the omicron epidemic outbreak. It is important to recognize the potential impact of these challenges on the mental health of medical staff and to provide appropriate resources and support to mitigate their effects. Methods. A total of 354 medical staff in two obstetrics and gynecology hospitals of different grades were included in this survey using convenience sampling. The cross-sectional self-report questionnaires survey was conducted using the Basic Characteristics Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results. There were 169 (47.7%) participants suffering from anxiety disorder. Working with fever, working in obstetrics, and working with protective clothing were the risk factors for anxiety in medical staff $\left(p<0.05\right)$. One hundred and ninety-six (55.4%) participants were depressed. Working with fever and working in obstetrics were the risk factors for depression in medical staff $\left(p<0.05\right)$. There were 117 (33.1%) participants suffering from insomnia. Working with fever, high educational level, and severe COVID-19 infection status were the risk factors for insomnia in medical staff $\left(p<0.05\right)$. Moreover, medical staff in a provincial hospital were more anxious and depressed than those in a county hospital. At last, there were more participants working with fever in obstetrics $\left(p<0.05\right)$. Conclusion. Anxiety disorder, depression, and insomnia were common among obstetrics and gynecology medical staff during the outbreak of omicron pandemic. During this period, more resources for psychological counselling should be provided to the hospital as well as more reasonable staffing arrangements, and working while having a fever is prohibited, especially in provincial hospital.