Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 24, 2020

COVID-19 in Wuhan: Immediate Psychological Impact on 5062 Health Workers

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  • Over 5000 healthcare workers were surveyed in Wuhan to assess level and severity of psychological issues associated COVID-19 outbreak response. The authors also assessed the effects of psychological protective measures for healthcare workers at a government-identified “specific hospital” for the treatment of COVID-19.  
  • Depression, anxiety, and stress varied by sociodemographic characteristics. Nurses and technicians also presented higher rates of psychological stress than doctors, probably because they often have more and closer contact with patients. Workers in isolation units had more stress, as did those who had children and additional family responsibilities. Psychological protective factors were exercise, having sufficient PPE, and reduced rate of nosocomial infection, reasonable shifts, and comfortable accommodations for staff. 

Zhu et al. (Feb 23, 2020). COVID-19 in Wuhan: Immediate Psychological Impact on 5062 Health Workers. Pre-print downloaded Feb 24 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.20.20025338