Health Workers’ Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Compassion Levels During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Healthcare professionals should be evaluated for depression, anxiety and stress during and after the epidemic, and the necessary education, training and psychological support should be provided so that they can provide quality health care and maintain their compassion. This study examined health workers’ depression, anxiety, stress, and compassion levels during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted using 234 health personnel who provided care to COVID-19 patients. The data were gathered using the Information Request Form, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21), and Compassion Scale (CS). RESULTS: The participants’ average total score of DASS-21 was 38.28±13.95 and their average CS score was 93.34±11.77. There was a strong, negative, and significant correlation between the DASS-21 sub-dimensions of depression, anxiety, and stress and the CS sub-dimensions of indifference, separation, and disengagement (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: This study determined that health workers experienced depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 outbreak and their CS remained high.