Depressive symptoms are more influenced by personality traits and styles than working in nursing—a study during the COVID-19 pandemic

Key Points Question What factors are associated with mental health outcomes among health care workers in China who are treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 1257 health care workers in 34 hospitals equipped with fever clinics or wards for patients with COVID-19 in multiple regions of China, a considerable proportion of health care workers reported experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress, especially women, nurses, those in Wuhan, and front-line health care workers directly engaged in diagnosing, treating, or providing nursing care to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Meaning These findings suggest that, among Chinese health care workers exposed to COVID-19, women, nurses, those in Wuhan, and front-line health care workers have a high risk of developing unfavorable mental health outcomes and may need psychological support or interventions.

The 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) is among the most widely used questionnaires assessing subjective psychological well-being. Since its first publication in 1998, the WHO-5 has been translated into more than 30 languages and has been used in research studies all over the world. We now provide a systematic review of the literature on the WHO-5.

Abstract Aim This study examines the relative influence of personal resilience, social support and organisational support in reducing COVID‐19 anxiety in frontline nurses. Background Anxiety related to the COVID‐19 pandemic is prevalent in the nursing workforce, potentially affecting nurses’ well‐being and work performance. Identifying factors that could help maintain mental health and reduce coronavirus‐related anxiety among frontline nurses is imperative. Currently, no studies have been conducted examining the influence of personal resilience, social support and organisational support in reducing COVID‐19 anxiety among nurses. Methods This cross‐sectional study involved 325 registered nurses from the Philippines using four standardised scales. Results Of the 325 nurses in the study, 123 (37.8%) were found to have dysfunctional levels of anxiety. Using multiple linear regression analyses, social support (β = ‐0.142, p = 0.011), personal resilience (β = ‐0.151, p = 0.008) and organisational support (β = ‐0.127, p = 0.023) predicted COVID‐19 anxiety. Nurse characteristics were not associated with COVID‐19 anxiety. Conclusions Resilient nurses and those who perceived higher organisational and social support were more likely to report lower anxiety related to COVID‐19. Implication for Nursing Management COVID‐19 anxiety may be addressed through organisational interventions, including increasing social support, assuring adequate organisational support, providing psychological and mental support services and providing resilience‐promoting and stress management interventions.