{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Mental health and insomnia problems in healthcare workers after the COVID-19 pandemic: A multicenter cross-sectional study.
{Author}: Ding W;Wang MZ;Zeng XW;Liu ZH;Meng Y;Hu HT;Zhang Y;Guan YG;Meng FG;Zhang JG;Wang S;
{Journal}: World J Psychiatry
{Volume}: 14
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: 2024 May 19
{Factor}: 3.5
{DOI}: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i5.704
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as worsening mental health problems and insomnia. These problems can persist for a long period, even after the pandemic. However, less is known about this topic.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To analyze mental health, insomnia problems, and their influencing factors in HCWs after the COVID-19 pandemic.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This multicenter cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted from June 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023, which was a half-year after the end of the COVID-19 emergency. Region-stratified population-based cluster sampling was applied at the provincial level for Chinese HCWs. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia were evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Insomnia Severity Index. Factors influencing the symptoms were identified by multivariable logistic regression.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 2000 participants were invited, for a response rate of 70.6%. A total of 1412 HCWs [618 (43.8%) doctors, 583 (41.3%) nurses and 211 (14.9%) nonfrontline], 254 (18.0%), 231 (16.4%), and 289 (20.5%) had symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, respectively; severe symptoms were found in 58 (4.1%), 49 (3.5%), and 111 (7.9%) of the participants. Nurses, female sex, and hospitalization for COVID-19 were risk factors for anxiety, depression, and insomnia symptoms; moreover, death from family or friends was a risk factor for insomnia symptoms. During the COVID-19 outbreak, most [1086 (76.9%)] of the participating HCWs received psychological interventions, while nearly all [994 (70.4%)] of them had received public psychological education. Only 102 (7.2%) of the HCWs received individual counseling from COVID-19.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Although the mental health and sleep problems of HCWs were relieved after the COVID-19 pandemic, they still faced challenges and greater risks than did the general population. Identifying risk factors would help in providing targeted interventions. In addition, although a major proportion of HCWs have received public psychological education, individual interventions are still insufficient.