Psychological impacts of COVID-19 on health professionals: A cross-sectional survey of 1000 nurses across ECOWAS countries

Purpose: Nurses have to adapt to various emotional and behavioral responses to provide care for COVID-19 Patients, manage the situation and follow established health protocols. This study aimed to investigate the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak among Nurses rending care in Ecowas Countries (West Africa). Design/Methodology: This present study employed an online cross-sectional survey to collect and accumulate responses from registered nurse giving care in these countries amid this coronavirus pandemic. The survey link was shared on all social networks and online platforms across the West African Region. Findings: The results of the study showed 52% of normal anxiety level,18% mild anxiety,20% moderate anxiety and 10% severe anxiety. Moderate and Severe stresses were 78% and 10% respectively among the nurses whereas those with normal or low-level stress was 12%. In ordinal logistic Analysis, Nurses feel more relieved against stress and anxiety when they are not living with family members (relatives and spouses), nursing patients (with the infection) and or have any acquaintances with COVID-19 infected persons (Odd ratio< 1.0). Practical Implications: It is suggested that the psychological well-being of nurses during this pandemic revolves around their exposure to the infection and their daily interaction with people well known as close contacts