Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Status and Factors Influencing Negative Mental Health among Health-Care Workers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychological health outcomes and associated factors among health-care workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 pandemic. Subject and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 550 HCWs at 4 different clinics (fever, clean, telemedicine, and mixed clinics) in Dubai Health Authority from July 2020 to September 2020. Severity of depression, anxiety, and stress was examined by calculating the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) for each subscale, while insomnia was determined by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score. Factors associated with psychological symptoms were identified by univariate (ANOVA and independent t test), and independent factors were detected by multivariate linear regression analysis after controlling other variables. p value of <0.05 was considered with significant results. Results: A total of 400 participants completed the survey. Majority of them were females (84.5%, n = 338) and aged between 18 and 31 (53.5%, n = 214). About 76.5% (n = 306) reported symptoms of depression, 315 (78.8%) anxiety, 254 (63.5%) stress-based, and 187 (46.8%) suffered from clinical insomnia. Frontline HCWs at fever clinic were at higher risk of developing burnout symptoms (p < 0.001). Furthermore, being younger, nonmarried, and nurse had no kids and changed accommodation during the crisis; all together were at higher risk of developing burnout symptoms (p < 0.05). Adjusted linear regression showed that age was the major independent factor affecting DASS-21 subscales without affecting the level of insomnia (<0.01). In addition, being worried about the family and loved ones independently influenced higher levels of depression and anxiety-based (<0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that COVID-19 outbreak has a significant psychological impact on frontline HCWs and the most vulnerable groups to psychological distress. Efficient support and interventions are needed to protect HCWs from being infected and promote their well-being