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Feeling Informed and Safe Are Important Factors in the Psychosomatic Health of Frontline Workers in the Health Sector during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Austria

Author

Listed:
  • Melanie Lenger

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Alexander Maget

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Nina Dalkner

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Jorgos N. Lang

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Frederike T. Fellendorf

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Michaela Ratzenhofer

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Elena Schönthaler

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Eva Fleischmann

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Armin Birner

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Susanne A. Bengesser

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Robert Queissner

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Martina Platzer

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Adelina Tmava-Berisha

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Robert M. Trojak

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

  • Eva Z. Reininghaus

    (Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria)

Abstract

The global spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created new challenges for the entire healthcare system, and those who work directly with the patients or even on the front lines with COVID-19 patients have been particularly stressed. Only a few studies are currently available investigating psychosomatic symptoms among healthcare workers, particularly frontline workers, over the entire pandemic period (2020–2022). There is also a lack of knowledge about strategies to prevent stress during and after a health crisis. Methods: An online survey was conducted at three times (April 2020, winter 2020/2021, and winter 2021/2022) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. The sample included 160 healthcare workers at screening time 1, 1.361 healthcare workers at screening time 2, and 1.134 healthcare workers at screening time 3. The survey included COVID-19 work-related fears, satisfaction with the frontline work, and standardized inventories to assess psychosomatic symptoms, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D). Results: Psychosomatic symptoms were more common among women compared to men, and among frontline workers compared to non-frontline workers, especially during the course of the pandemic at t2 and t3. Self-reported scores of COVID-19 work-related fears were significantly associated with psychosomatic symptoms. Furthermore, in frontline workers, there was a significant association between the feeling of being safe and well-informed and psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusion: COVID-19 work-related fears and psychosomatic symptoms have been prevalent among healthcare workers throughout the pandemic. Feeling safe and informed appears to be essential to prevent psychosomatic symptoms, leading to a recommendation for employers in the healthcare sector to focus on communication and information. As frontline workers are especially prone to psychosomatic symptoms, more stress prevention programs for them will be essential to maintain productivity and reduce sick days and fluctuations in the healthcare system.

Suggested Citation

  • Melanie Lenger & Alexander Maget & Nina Dalkner & Jorgos N. Lang & Frederike T. Fellendorf & Michaela Ratzenhofer & Elena Schönthaler & Eva Fleischmann & Armin Birner & Susanne A. Bengesser & Robert Q, 2023. "Feeling Informed and Safe Are Important Factors in the Psychosomatic Health of Frontline Workers in the Health Sector during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Austria," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:1533-:d:1035734
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Max Denning & Ee Teng Goh & Alasdair Scott & Guy Martin & Sheraz Markar & Kelsey Flott & Sam Mason & Jan Przybylowicz & Melanie Almonte & Jonathan Clarke & Jasmine Winter Beatty & Swathikan Chidambara, 2020. "What Has Been the Impact of Covid-19 on Safety Culture? A Case Study from a Large Metropolitan Healthcare Trust," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Paweł Wańkowicz & Aleksandra Szylińska & Iwona Rotter, 2020. "Assessment of Mental Health Factors among Health Professionals Depending on Their Contact with COVID-19 Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-8, August.
    3. Paula McFadden & Jana Ross & John Moriarty & John Mallett & Heike Schroder & Jermaine Ravalier & Jill Manthorpe & Denise Currie & Jaclyn Harron & Patricia Gillen, 2021. "The Role of Coping in the Wellbeing and Work-Related Quality of Life of UK Health and Social Care Workers during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-15, January.
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