Abstract
Background
There is an increasing concern regarding the mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aims
This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 exposure among Paraguayan healthcare workers.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study has been carried out in five hospitals of Paraguay. Demographic and occupational exposure to COVID-19 were collected through a short questionnaire. Mental health status was assessed with the GAD-7, the PHQ-9, and the PCL-C. Logistic regression was used to determine psychological risk factors.
Results
432 participants were surveyed. 218 (50.46%) were physicians. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD was 48.15, 41.90, and 5.79%, respectively. There were no significant differences in anxiety (128 [29.63%] vs. 80 [18.52%]; p = 0.3303), depression (102 [23.61%] vs. 79 [18.29%]; p = 0.6703), or PTSD (14 [3.24%] vs. 11 [2.55%]; p = 0.8074) between frontline versus second-line workers. Main risk factors associated with psychological distress included work experience <5 years for depression and a COVID-19 positive diagnosis or having family/friends with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis for PTSD.
Conclusions
Paraguayan healthcare workers reported high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and a low prevalence of PTSD. A positive diagnosis of COVID-19 and work experience <5 years are important psychological risk factors.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.