Psychological Responses to Coronavirus Disease 2019 amongst Healthcare Workers in South Africa During The Pandemic


 
 It is important to understand HCWs (HCWs) psychological responses to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as they are exposed to the virus on a daily basis. This study helps identify some of the challenges they face.
 
 
 
 The overall aim of the study was to investigate psychological responses to COVID-19, including vaccinations and stressors, amongst healthcare HCWs in South Africa during the pandemic.
 
 
 
 HCWs who worked in private and state hospitals and private practice in Tshwane, South Africa.
 
 
 
 A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design was used. Several standardised and validated questionnaires were used in the survey including the Coronavirus-19 Fear Scale, the COVID‐19‐related stigma scale and the COVID-19 stress scale. A purposive sample [N=103] was analysed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square.
 
 
 
 There were 103 completed questionnaires. Many (76% and 54%) either knew someone close who contracted COVID or died from COVID 19 respectively. Most (58%) were in favour of being vaccinated. A significant proportion (42%; p= 0.009) of the HCWs felt uncomfortable when thinking about COVID. Physical reactions such as sweating, or a pounding heart was reported by 17% of the HCWs. A majority of the HCWs disagreed to any form stigmatization of COVID19. Most of the HCWs expressed a need for mental health support during the COVID 19 pandemic. About three quarters of the respondents expressed a need to talk to someone about their worries about COVID 19. have someone available.
 
 
 
 Most of the respondents either knew someone who either contracted COVID 19 or died because of it. Many experienced anxiety symptoms when thinking about COVID 19. Many HCWs reported anxiety and stress symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations, sweating and difficulty in concentrating. An overwhelming majority of the HCWs stated that people should not be discriminated of stigmatized in any way because of COVID19. The majority of the HCWs expressed a need for psychological support during the COVID 19 pandemic. About 20% of the HCWs were against being vaccinated. This is worrisome as they are at high risk. The HCWs clearly expressed a need more attention and support towards their mental health during the COVID 19 pandemic.
