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. 2023 Jan:30:100618.
doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100618. Epub 2022 Oct 15.

Prevalence of psychological symptoms and associated risk factors among nurses in 30 provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic in China

Yun Li  1 , Rongrong Fan  1 , Yunwei Lu  2 , Huayan Li  1 , Xianping Liu  1 , Guilan Kong  3 , Jiayu Wang  3 , Fan Yang  1 , Jian Zhou  1 , Jun Wang  1
Affiliations

Prevalence of psychological symptoms and associated risk factors among nurses in 30 provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic in China

Yun Li et al. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Background: With the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), nurses have won well-deserved recognition for their indispensable roles in providing humane and professional healthcare for patients. However, by the nature of their role working at the forefront of patient care, nurses are prone to experiencing mental health consequences. Therefore, we pay attention to measuring the magnitude of psychological symptoms and identifying associated factors among nurses in China.

Methods: We launched a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of nurses who worked in secondary or tertiary hospitals and public or private hospitals from 30 provinces in China. The prevalence and severity of symptoms of burnout, depression, and anxiety were investigated, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with each psychological symptom.

Findings: A total of 138 279 respondents who worked in 243 hospitals completed this survey. A substantial proportion of nurses reported symptoms of burnout (34%), depression (55·5%), and anxiety (41·8%). In line with the disproportionality of economic development, we noted that the middle or western region was an independent risk factor for depression and anxiety. Compared with those working in the secondary hospital, nurses who worked in tertiary hospitals were associated with a higher likelihood of burnout and depression.

Interpretation: Nurses are experiencing emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion during the COVID-19 epidemic. Governments and health policymakers need to draw attention to reinforcing prevention and ameliorating countermeasures to safeguard nurses' health.

Funding: The strategic consulting project of the Chinese Academy of Engineering [2021-32-5]. Advanced Institute of Infomation Technology, Peking University, Zhejiang Province [2020-Z-17].

Keywords: Anxiety; Burnout; Cross-sectional survey; Depression; Nationwide; Nurses; Psychological symptoms; Stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

All other authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Prevalence of burnout, depression, and anxiety among participants from 30 Provinces in China.
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