Risk factors and protective factors for psychiatric problems in health care workers

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus ۲ (SARS-CoV-۲) is highly transmissible and the disease it causes, coronavirus disease ۲۰۱۹ (COVID-۱۹), is often lethal and has reached pandemic scale worldwide in ۲۰۲۰ . Information about COVID-۱۹ is evolving rapidly, and interim guidance by multiple organizations is constantly being updated and expanded. A limited number of studies describe the prevalence of mental health sequelae associated with coronavirus disease ۲۰۱۹ . The purpose of this study is identifing multiple risk factors and protective factors for psychiatric problems in health care workers.Methods:This study was conducted by searching the uptodate database and reviewing the latest updated information. ۴ recent studies in the database were reviewed.Results:Risk factors – The most consistent risk factor across studies was increased contact with affected patients. Other consistent predictors were a prior history of psychiatric symptoms/disorders and/or general medical illnesses, spending a prolonged time in quarantine, perceived lack of organizational support, and perceived social stigma directed towards health care workers.Protective factors – Across studies, the factor that most consistently decreased the risk of adverse psychological outcomes in health care workers was access to personal protective equipment. Other consistent protective factors included having supportive peers, access to psychiatric interventions, and trust in the institution’s infection control measures, as well as receiving clear communication from supervisors and adequate time off from work. Conclusions:Health organizations have to provide guidance and resources to help health care workers address these mental health challenges.

Keywords:

Covid-۱۹ , psychiatric problems , mental lealth