Stress reactions in a tertiary oto-rhino-laryngological department during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Danish Capital region

Abstract

Background

Health care workers (HCW) at otorhinolaryngological departments have an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, due to aerosol-inducing diagnostic and surgical procedures in the airways. The ongoing exposure to physical and psychological stressors could impact the mental health of HCW.

Aim/objective

To investigate the impact on mental health in an otorhinolaryngological department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials/method

Cross-sectional questionnaire study, assessing symptoms of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-10). Physicians, nurses, and secretaries were included at a tertiary department of otorhinolaryngology in the Capital Region of Denmark during the COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020.

Results

Positive screenings for stress reactions were found in 22% for depressive symptoms and 15.5% anxiety. 27% feared becoming infected, 47% feared infecting their families in relation to work. 27% felt others were distancing from them, and 38% isolated themselves from others because of their work. Women had an odds ratio of 9.18 (CI 1.49–179) for depressive stress reactions.

Conclusion

HCW were primarily concerned with transmitting COVID-19 to their relatives. Secondarily, there was a concern about becoming infected despite feeling adequately protected by personal protective equipment. Women were at higher risk of more severe depressive symptoms when corrected for professions.

Chinese abstract

背景：由于气道中的气溶胶诱导诊断和外科手术, 耳鼻喉科的医护人员 (HCW) 感染 COVID-19的风险增加。持续身处身体和心理压力源可能会影响医护人员的心理健康。

目的：调查在 COVID-19 大流行期间, 对耳鼻喉科心理健康的影响。

材料/方法：通过横断面问卷调查, 评估抑郁症状（PHQ-9）和焦虑症状（GAD-10）。纳入2020 年春季 COVID-19 封锁期间丹麦首都地区的一个三级耳鼻喉科的医生、护士和秘书。

结果：在接受压力反应检测的人员中, 有抑郁症状的是22%, 焦虑的是15.5% 。 27% 的人害怕被感染, 47% 的人害怕因工作而感染家人。27% 的人感觉到别人与他们保持距离, 38% 的人因工作而与他人隔离。女性对抑郁压力反应的比值比为 9.18 (CI 1.49-179)。

结论：医护人员最主要的担心是会将 COVID-19 传播给他们的亲人。尽管受到个人防护设备的充分保护, 但仍有人担心被感染。经职业纠正后, 女性得更严重的抑郁症状的风险更高。

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• mental health
• anxiety
• depression
• health care worker
• pandemic

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).