The psychosocial impact of quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Israel

Abstract

Summary Quarantine is an essential practice during pandemics but it could have negative effects. There are currently no studies on the experiences of health care workers (HCWs) in quarantine during the coronavirus disease pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the psychosocial effects of quarantine on tertiary hospital HCWs who were exposed to coronavirus. A cross-sectional study on the psychological wellbeing, needs and resources of HCWs during quarantine was conducted using an online survey in a large tertiary hospital. In total, 148 quarantined HCWs participated in this study. Overall self-reported psychological wellbeing scores were high (5.22 ± 1.11). Physicians had higher psychological wellbeing compared to nurses (5.58 ± 1.05 and 4.83 ± 1.21, respectively). Being a nurse, separation from family during quarantine, experiencing public shaming and longer quarantine period were associated with lower psychological wellbeing and higher needs. Working from home and confidence in safety at work was associated with fewer needs during quarantine. Nurses might be a risk group for the negative influences of quarantine. The ability to remain connected to work by working from home could have a protective effect on HCWs’ psychological wellbeing. More efforts should be implemented in order to support HCWs in quarantine and after their return to work.