Depression, Anxiety, Energy, and Fatigue Among Nurses Who Cared for Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose of Study: Nurses around the world have faced challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study examined the association between depression and anxiety and trait energy and trait fatigue, and baseline health status and work characteristics. Design of Study: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A survey was conducted to collect self-reported data from nurses involved in patient care in Northern Virginia. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression and anxiety scales. To measure trait energy and trait fatigue, the Mental and Physical State and Trait Energy and Fatigue Scale (MPSTEFS) was used. Findings: There was a significant association between depression and energy ( b=−0.46, t = −1.78, p < .001) and loneliness ( b=1.38, t = 4.00, p < .001) and increased alcohol use ( b=2.11, t = 2.04, p = .045). We also found that nurses with depression were significantly more likely to seek mental health counseling ( b=−2.91, t = 2.54, p = 0.013), which was also the case for anxiety ( b=3.13, t = 2.14, p = .036). Conclusions: Our study highlights the mental health burden among nurses who worked in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with increased alcohol use and loneliness. The findings may help healthcare leaders identify early signals of deterioration in nurses’ well-being.