Anxiety and COVID-19 Related Stressors Among Healthcare Workers who Performed Shift Work at Four COVID-19 Dedicated Hospitals in Korea

Objective To assess the relationship between anxiety and shift work of healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods From four COVID-19-dedicated hospitals in Korea, 381 HCWs were analyzed to estimate anxiety in relation to four COVID-19 job stressors and the impact of shift work on this relationship. Anxiety was measured with a generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale. Multiple logistic regression models were utilized after stratification by sex, occupation, and shift work, after adjusting for a number of variables. Results Anxiety prevalence was 32%. Among female nurses or nursing assistants who performed shift work, anxiety risk was significantly associated with three COVID-19 related job stressors: contact with confirmed cases or patients, dealing with unpleasant patients, and discomfort from wearing protective equipment. Conclusions Special attention is required for mental health of HCWs working shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic.