COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Mental Health: A Multi-Site Study of Hospital Staff

What is it about?

The study examined the effects of COVID-19 waves on mental health among hospital staff in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, over a 21-month period. Contrary to increasing new infected cases, psychological distress and fear of COVID-19 decreased among waves. Individuals with high trait anxiety showed a more pronounced decrease in distress. Nurses and physicians experienced less prominent decreases in fear, potentially due to increased medical information and easy access to resources. The study suggests that interventions to increase knowledge and access to medical information can reduce mental distress during pandemics.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it sheds light on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and how individual differences, such as trait anxiety and occupation, influence the trajectory of mental distress. Understanding these factors can help in developing targeted interventions and support systems to manage mental health during crises. Key Takeaways: 1. The study examines the effects of COVID-19 waves on mental health among hospital staff in Japan over a 21-month period. 2. Initially elevated psychological distress and fear of COVID-19 among hospital staff decreased from the 3rd to the 7th waves of the pandemic. 3. Trait anxiety was found to be a predictor of the initial elevation and subsequent decrease in psychological distress. 4. Nurses and physicians experienced less psychological distress and fear of COVID-19 than individuals in other hospital occupations. 5. Increased knowledge and access to medical information about infectious diseases and taking precautions can reduce mental distress in response to a pandemic.