Characteristics of the mental health of employees of healthcare facilities in the conditions of war

Abstract

Objective: Aim: To study the state of mental health of staff of healthcare facilities (HCFs) of different categories (managers, doctors, nurses) 2 years after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Patients and methods: Materials and Methods: The study, using valid psycho-diagnostic methods, was conducted in 3 stages: studying the frequency of mental states, Mental Health Continuum, and occupational self-efficacy. Using descriptive and analytical statistics, we analyzed the results obtained from 114 respondents.

Results: Results: It was found that in the majority of the study group, regardless of the position held (manager, doctor, nurse), the levels of anxiety, frustration, aggressiveness, and rigidity were low (64.0%-50.9% of respondents); flourishing and high development of occupational self-efficacy were recorded in 59.6% and 61.0%, staff of HCFs respectively. A small proportion of specialists (10.5%-4.4%) revealed a high level of manifestation of mental states; languishing and a low level of professional self-efficacy were practically absent. In other study participants, all indicators were at the borderline level.

Conclusion: Conclusions: Almost 2 years of functioning in the context of the war has led to the development of a certain adaptation and resilience in all categories of healthcare employees, which allows them to fulfill their professional duties. At the same time, there is a significant number of healthcare professionals who have moderate and high levels of mental stress, and problems with mental health stability, which requires systemic decisions to be made at the sectoral level to ensure the mental health of staff of healthcare facilities.

Keywords: healthcare facilities; Russian-Ukrainian war; mental health.