The impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare workers is enormous. This longitudinal study investigates the prevalence of mental health problems and the quality of life of healthcare workers during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Underlying risk factors are also examined. Health care workers of the different Covid-19 cohort and transit wards, as well as the intensive care unit and (psychiatric) emergency services of the Ghent university hospital will be included, as well as the health care workers of 6 non-Covid-19 wards.
The impact of the current Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare workers is enormous. Previous
studies during the SARS outbreak demonstrated a significant burden and increase of mental
health problems in health care workers.This longitudinal study aims to investigate the
prevalence of mental health problems and the quality of life of health care workers during
and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Health care workers of the different Covid-19 cohort and
transit wards, as well as the intensive care unit and (psychiatric) emergency services of the
Ghent university hospital will be included, as well as the health care workers of 6
non-Covid-19 wards. Participants will receive a monthly online survey during the government
issued restrictions. After cessation of the restrictions participants will receive
three-monthly surveys for a one-year-period.
Sociodemographic data, data regarding employment and previous mental health problems will be
collected at the first survey. The Covid-19 status of the health care workers will be
inquired at every survey. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Dutch
translation of the Covid-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), the WHO Quality of Life-BREF
(WHOQOL-BREF), and the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) and three items
measuring social support will be administered at every survey.
Other: Online survey
An online survey will be administered
Inclusion Criteria:
- health care worker
- employed at inclusion at Covid cohort/transit or (psychiatric) emergency services or
intensive care unit or 6 specified wards of the Ghent University Hospital
Exclusion Criteria:
- none
Ghent University Hospital
Ghent, Belgium
Gilbert Lemmens, Study Director
University Hospital, Ghent