STAT-STRESS COVid19 [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in hospital workers during COVID-19
IRAS ID
285181
Contact name
Kasun Wanigasooriya
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Covid-19 is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and has caused significant changes in the social and working conditions of healthcare workers since the start of the pandemic. Studies have reported a higher prevalence of mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst healthcare workers compared to the general population. Hospital workers around the world continue to deal with increasingly stressful, often traumatic life and death situations in a rapidly changing clinical environment, during this Covid-19 pandemic. They have been tirelessly looking after patients, exposing themselves, their family and friends to the risk of novel coronavirus infection. Many have also had to cope with critically unwell family and friends. Many are also grieving the loss of loved ones and colleagues. Hospital workers continue to bear the brunt of the stressful exposures from the Covid-19 pandemic. \n\nPrevious studies have found a rise PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms amongst healthcare workers after pandemics, for example following the SARS outbreak in 2003. Early research from China, India and Singapore highlight the significant mental health impact of Covid-19 on healthcare workers. We aim through a regional online, confidential survey to assess the baseline prevalence of PTSD, depression, anxiety symptoms using a validated scoring systems in hospital workers in the West Midlands working during the Covid-19 pandemic, and changes to these symptoms overtime. We will also explore their post traumatic growth over time. The data will be analysed to assess the variations in these symptoms between different professions and ethnic groups, taking into consideration various risk factors. The outcomes of these surveys will help identify where further attention and resources must be directed to ensure the mental health well-being of hospital workers during and after this pandemic.
REC name
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REC reference
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