Factors associated with mental health outcomes among health care workers in the Fangcang shelter hospital in China

Abstract

Background: Faced with surging infections and considering that 80% of cases were mild and moderate, the city government transformed stadiums and exhibition centers into the Fangcang shelter hospitals (temporary treatment centers) in Wuhan. Aim: The aims of this study were to evaluate psychological impact on health care workers in the Fangcang shelter hospitals and analyze potential risk factors associated with these symptoms, including PTSS, symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and perceived stress. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online survey to assess mental health problems of 522 health care workers in a Jianghan Fangcang shelter from February 21 to February 28, 2020. Results: Overall, 25.3%, 25.3%, 51.0%, 58.0%, 14.8%, and 39.1% of all participants reported symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and perceived stress, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, occupation and technical title were associated with all investigated outcomes. Nurses were more likely to endorse posttraumatic stress symptoms (OR, 4.63; 95% CI, 2.43–8.82; p < .001), anxiety symptom (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 2.76–7.62; p < .001), depression symptom (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 2.17–5.64; p < .001). Participants with senior technical title were associated with higher perceived stress and insomnia than other technical title. Conclusion: In this survey, participants reported high rates of symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and perceived stress. Combining with the special environment of the shelter hospitals and the psychological needs, the health care workers should be given more effective interventions to relieve their stress and improve mental symptoms.